7 Best Cold Plunge Tubs: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

What Makes cold plunge tubs worth the investment?

The wrong cold plunge tub can be extremely uncomfortable and discourage you from using it altogether. Choosing the right option comes down to three things: temperature control, comfort, and ease of use, all of which depend on the experience and goals of the person plunging.

I’ve researched and analyzed some of the top cold plunge tubs on the market, considering everything from insulation to ease of use. Below are the best options, highlighting their pros and cons, so you can find the perfect tub for your needs.

1. Best Overall: Plunge Air

The Plunge Air is an inflatable cold plunge made by one of the most reputable companies in the game. It’s made from warp knit drop stitch material so you won’t have to worry about damaging it, unlike the other cold plunge tubs that are more fragile. The reason this cold plunge tub gets the best overall rating is because of its convenience and durability without the bulk of a permanent setup. This combination of strength and portability makes it perfect for use at home or on the go.

Setting up the Plunge Air is quick and easy; only 15 minutes with the included pump. Taking down the tub takes about the same amount of time. Just drain the water, fold it up, and stuff it in the provided backpack.

Made with UV resistant and insulated materials the Plunge Air keeps cold temperatures longer for extended outdoor use. The UV resistance protects the tub from sun damage so it will stay in great condition even with daily exposure to the elements.

One of its best features is the custom manifold that makes draining easy and integrates with chiller systems like Evolve Chillers for precise temperature control. This allows you to set your desired water temperature directly from your phone.

The Plunge Air is the way to go for dedicated plungers who value portability, durability, and quality.

2. Best Design: The Plunge

The Plunge is by far the most popular cold tub. Its sleek and modern design make it visually appealing in any setting, whether indoors or outdoors. It has features for both first timers and experienced users. What sets it apart from others is its cooling, filtration, and sanitation system. It has a sediment filter that traps debris and particles before they get into your chiller and ozone treatment that kills bacteria and viruses.

Users can choose between two water chillers: 1/2 HP standard chiller, which cools the water down to 39°F (4°C) or the 1 HP pro chiller which cools down to 37°F (2.7°C). For those who want versatility, the pro chiller includes an optional heater so you can switch between a cold plunge and a hot tub.

In terms of convenience the Plunge is top notch. The user friendly app lets you control the temperature from your phone. There’s no additional plumbing required, just fill it up using a garden hose and the circular filtration system will keep the water clean. They come with an insulated cover and skimming net to help save energy, keep the water clean, and keep the temperature low. Free white glove delivery means no hassle setup and all packaging material will be removed after installation.

It’s priced at $4,990 with the standard chiller making it relatively expensive but users say the style, ease of use, and reliability make it worth every dollar. From the acrylic construction to the underwater lighting, the Plunge has earned its reputation as a top of the line cold plunge tub. This tub is hard to beat!

3. best for small spaces: The Viking

The Nordic Wave Viking Cold Plunge Tub is a great vertical cold plunge option if you have limited space. Its compact size (41″ tall, 36″ diameter) will fit almost anywhere, indoors or outdoors. It has a 95 gallon capacity and will fit individuals up to 6’5″ so you can be fully submerged while squatting. The foam insulated thermoplastic construction keeps the temperature cold and prevents condensation. This makes the Viking perfect for indoor use as it doesn’t produce the moisture buildup that other tubs do.

The 3/4 horsepower external chiller cools the water down to 38°F (3°C) and the built-in thermostat adds extra convenience. The Viking has a multi-stage filtration system for clean, germ-free water. Maintenance is simple, change the filter once a month and the quick-drain valve makes emptying the tub easy.

At $5,499 it’s not cheap, but it’s backed by a 5 year warranty for the tub and a 1 year warranty for the water chiller. Plus you get 60 days of free breath work. On top of all that you don’t have to worry about winterizing because the chiller has a built in heating component. This is the only chiller I know of that has that capability. The tub comes in 3 colors Charcoal Gray, Arctic White, and Slate Blue so you can match with your style.

Overall the Nordic Wave Viking is a great option for those looking for a vertical cold plunge with a small footprint, temperature control, and clean, cold water.

4. Best inflatable: TheraFrost

The TheraFrost Cold Plunge Tub has great cooling and filtration, making it a top pick for those looking for a compact and portable cold plunge experience. One of the best features is the 1 HP Wi-Fi enabled chiller. You can set schedules to turn it on/off automatically, which saves energy and extends the life of the sediment filter and other internal components.

As for water maintenance, ozone filtration keeps the water clean and sanitary for longer periods. You’ll only need to change the water every 6 months or so. This is a low maintenance cold plunge for those who want a hassle free experience.

The cooling performance is one of the best. TheraFrost can cool the water down to 37°F (3°C) which is one of the coldest plunge tubs out there. TheraFrost has a water restructuring feature which some studies suggest can have a positive impact on protein folding and inflammation reduction.

The tub itself is made of industrial grade airplane rubber which is durable and insulating. Since it’s inflatable, the tub can be deflated and stored in the provided backpack. The water chiller is a bit bulky but has wheels so it’s easier to move around than other water chillers.

It’s not the cheapest or most stylish option but it gets the job done for a reasonable price. This tub is great for people who care less about looks and just want something reliable and convenient. It’s worth the investment in my opinion.

5. best upright or sitting tub: Ice Barrel 500

The Ice Barrel 500 is made from recycled, hard plastic covering thick, polyurethane foam insulation. It retains cold temperatures extremely well. In the middle of the summer the temperature only increases by about 3°F in 24 hours, which makes it a great option warmer climates.

Getting in and out of this tub is effortless withe the built-in staircase and seat. It fits people up to 6’9 so it’s good for a wide range of users. Because of the upright design it’s big enough to fully submerge. The internal seat is my favorite feature because I’ve found it’s safer and more comfortable than squatting or laying down.

Setup is easy. Just position it, close the drain, and fill it up. It weighs 106 pounds (empty) so you’ll need help to move it. Once it’s set up it’s easy to maintain.

The Ice Barrel 500 is also compatible with a water chiller (sold separately) but the chiller has a long shipping time and is expensive. As an alternative, you can use a third party water chiller for a DIY setup or buy an ice mold sold separately on their site.

For only $1,279 you get a durable tub that will likely last a lifetime, plus a lifetime warranty. This tub is ideal for people who value comfort, ease of use, and affordability.

6. coldest Tub: Morozko Forge

The Morozko Forge is one of the most advanced cold plunge tubs out there. It can create its own ice and filter water at the same time – something no other tub can do. The built-in ozone sanitation system means no need for chemical water treatments. The water is pristine with minimal effort.

The low EMF, built-in ice production, and continuous water filtration make the Morozko Forge the gold standard of ice baths. Even Joe Rogan uses one, so you know it’s popular and credible in the cold therapy world.

The downside with the Morozko Forge is the price tag and footprint. Other similar tubs range from $3,500 to $7,000, while the Morozko Forge starts at $13,900. Their other cold plunges go all the way up to $20,000. Morozko charges a premium price, but I can assure you get a premium product.

The ice making and water filtration, durable construction, ozone sanitation, and long history in the market makes it one of the most advanced cold plunge tubs out there. If you want a top tier cold plunge and are willing to invest, the Morozko Forge is worth considering.

Another big plus of the Morozko Forge is its sustainability and safety. Using ozone for sanitation instead of harsh chemicals keeps the water clean and minimizes environmental impact. Plus the low EMF output reduces exposure to electromagnetic fields. This level of performance and safety makes the Morozko Forge a complete top of the line cold plunge for those serious about their wellness journey.

7. Best budget-friendly: The Ice Pod

The Ice Pod Pro from The Pod Company is an affordable way to try cold plunging without the hefty price tag. I tested it out—using it for 3 minute sessions at least 4 times a week—and found it worked fine. The water temperature stayed between 39-44 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours.

It’s extremely easy to set up. Inflating the rim of the tub with the provided pump took a few minutes and the PVC support rods kept the structure stable. Filling the tub with water was just as quick. In 10 minutes it was full and adding 45 pounds of ice cooled it down in about 25 minutes. Draining the tub was easy too, thanks to the hose attachment.

At 29 inches tall and 30 inches in diameter the tub is small enough to submerge yourself upright without taking up too much space. Portability is a big plus, especially if you have limited space. I tested the Pro Bundle, which for an extra $80 includes a cover, travel bag, handheld pump and floating thermometer. The thermometer works well but fogged up a little. The cover helps keep dirt and debris from getting in.

The tub is made of durable UV resistant materials, a waterproof PVC inner layer, and a soft peach skin fabric exterior. The middle layer provides decent insulation and will keep the water chilled for up to 24 hours depending on the climate. It’s not meant for extended ice retention but gets the job done. For only $149 the Ice Pod Pro is a great option for those new to cold plunging or on a tight budget.

You can also use it with a third party water chiller. The company offers their own chillers for $999 and $1,499 but they don’t filter the water like other water chillers.

If you want to spend even less, the standard Ice Pod is an option, but I recommend the Pro for the extra insulation and UV protection. It’s worth the extra $40 even if you’re a beginner.

Other Plunges to consider

• Rubbermaid Stock Tank – Looking to go the DIY route? This is your best bet. It’s original purpose is to hold water or feed for farm animals but people have converted it to a cold plunge.
• Tuff Stuff Tub – Similar to the rubbermaid stock tank but a little cheaper and slightly smaller. This tank holds 85 gallons and is another great option for those looking to go the DIY route.

Water Chillers To Consider

• Active Aqua 1/2 HP Chiller – A better alternative than most water chillers listed above. This chiller is a great choice for going the DIY route or those looking to save money.
• Active Aqua 1 HP Chiller – The best water chiller on the market. I recommend buying a tub (from the options listed at the top of this article) without the chiller, and buying this one instead. From my testing it’s the most reliable chiller and the customer support is top notch.

Read the full guide to choosing the best water chiller to pair with these cold plunge tubs

final verdict

After testing different models to find the best cold plunge tubs, The Plunge stood out for its style, self-contained design and impressive cooling, sanitation, and filtration systems.

If you’re on a budget or need something that can be taken down, I recommend an inflatable option, like the The Ice Pod Pro.

What to look for Before buying

Before purchasing a cold plunge tub, here are some important factors to keep in mind:

Size and Capacity: Measure your space! How will you fill the tub and where will the water source be? If the tub has a built-in chiller make sure there is a power outlet nearby.

Cold plunge tubs come in all sizes and capacities so if you’re putting one on a deck make sure it can support the weight of the tub when full of water. Some models can weigh several hundred pounds.

Insulation and Material: The material of the tub is key to maintaining the water temperature. Look for tubs made from durable materials that are well insulated such as stainless steel or high grade acrylic.

Good insulation keeps the water cold by minimizing heat transfer to the environment.

Filtration and Maintenance: To keep the water clean and safe for regular use choose one with a good filtration system. Consider how easy it is to maintain and clean; a well designed tub with easy-to-access filters will save you time and hassle in the long run.

Warranty Policy: While the warranty on cold plunge tubs may not be as long as other home gym investments like squat racks or treadmills it’s still worth considering. Most tubs have a 1 year warranty and a few have a 5 year.

Temperature Range: Some plunges like the Morozko Forge can get down to 32°F while others may only get to 39°F. The Plunge Air and the Original Plunge can get down to 39°F, which is plenty cold for most people!

Chilling Options: High end cold plunge tubs have external chillers that connect to separate units with motors and built-in thermostats for continuous cooling.

More budget friendly options like the Ice Pod Pro require you to add ice after filling. The market is growing so it’s getting easier to find options that fit your needs but consider these factors before you buy or go DIY.

Portability: If you plan to move your cold plunge frequently or take it on trips, consider a portable tub like the Plunge Air. Some designs facilitate easier relocation, which can be a valuable feature if you need to move the tub regularly.

Location: If you’re located in a warmer climate you will need a stronger chiller. Keeping it in direct sunlight will require more energy and could potentially lead to chiller problems. If you’re located in a colder climate the chiller might not work when outdoor temperatures are below freezing.

Conclusion

The best cold plunge tub is the one that fits your lifestyle, space, and cold therapy goals. Whether you want to physically recover, increase mental clarity, or just add a refreshing ritual to your day, investing in a cold plunge tub can be a game changer.

Leave a comment below for other cold plunge tubs you’d like me to review.