The 7 Best Cold Plunge Tubs for All Sizes and Spaces
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission.
Cold plunges have been all the rage in the longevity community for years. Wim Hof, a Dutch extreme athlete nicknamed Iceman, has been espousing prolonged submersion in freezing water for decades, as has Dr. Peter Attia, a leading healthspan and lifespan doctor. Leading neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman consistently advocates cold exposure to unlock health and performance benefits.
The science is sound; ample medical journals and research papers have well-documented the physiological upsides of cold plunges, including reducing inflammation, building stress resilience, increasing pain tolerance, and improving circulation. Cold showering was even proven to reduce the number of sick days you’ll need.
But it’s only in the last year that cold plunges started gaining mainstream steam, with scores of people dipping a toe into frigid waters. Some cold-exposure newbies start simple, with a cold shower every day. It’s a wonderful entry to the practice; one we’ve personally tried for more than six months, finding it bestows a host of positives. (Honestly, it’s hard to go back to hot showers at this point.)
Perhaps you’re ready to graduate from cold showers to a cold plunge tub to reap the maximum benefits. You’ve come to the right place. These are the best cold plunge tubs for any size space—a sprawling mansion or a cozy apartment—and for any size person. (Here’s looking at you, tall folks.) Our methodology for these best tub selections ranges from tapping physiology experts to considering consumer reviews to trying a few ourselves.
Our Best Cold Plunge Tub Picks
—Best Overall: The Plunge
—Best Cold/Hot: Inergize Cold and Hot Plunge Tub
—Best for Compact Spaces: Ice Barrel 400
—Best for Tall People: The Pod Company Ice Pod Pro
—Best for Athletes: Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro
—Best Two-Way Splurge: Chilly Goat Valaris Terrain
—Best Professional-Grade Tub: BlueCube CoreChill Elite
Best Overall: The Plunge
Overall, the Plunge, sometimes called the Cold Plunge, is our pick. We like this because it’s spacious, it’s suitable for indoor or outdoor use, and there’s no need for pesky plumbing or uprated power lines. A simple 110-volt outlet is all you need to get chilling. And, while not cheap, it’s not outrageously expensive; no more than a standard hot tub.
The Plunge doesn’t require any ice. Its chiller can bring the water temp down to 39 degrees, sufficient to get cold exposure benefits. Beginners can ease down to that coldest setting, too, via a thermostat on the side of the tub, where you can control the temperature. There’s a built-in filtration unit, to pull hair and skin cells from the water, and an ozone sanitation system, so you don’t have to worry about gunk and bacteria building up over time.
Set up is a breeze; simply place it where you want and plug it in. It weighs 150 pounds when dry, and the chilling unit weighs another 50 pounds, so you may need a second set of hands to help you move it into place. Fill it with a garden hose and you’re ready to dip.
The acrylic and fiberglass construction, along with a reinforced metal base, means it’ll stand up to Mother Nature’s worst if you wish to leave it outside. Its comely design aesthetic is modern and clean enough to fit into any decor, should it be going in your home.
Lastly, there’s an option for taller people, above six feet, as well as an add-on heater, if you’d like a hot tub, too. The temp there gets up to 103 degrees.
Pros:
—Easy setup, without plumbing or wiring
—Fully insulated
—Can go weeks without changing the water
—Adjustable temperature
—Includes guided plunge videos
Cons:
—Only comes with a one-year warranty
—Heavy to move solo
—Can be a little uncomfortable, requiring a pillow or other support
Temperature range: 39 degrees to 103 degrees (if you have the heater option) | Water capacity: 75 gallons | Warranty: One year Dimensions: L 67 inches x W 31.5 inches x H 24 inches | Material: Acrylic and fiberglass with a reinforced metal base
Best Cold/Hot: Inergize Cold and Hot Plunge Tub
The Inergize Cold and Hot Plunge Tub is inflatable, so you can pack it up if you’re on the move. Despite that, it’s very sturdy and can hold people weighing up to 200 pounds (attachments are available for those who weigh more). Its compact footprint—4.3 feet—means it’s good for tighter spaces, indoors or outside. The included chiller means no adding ice, and it can reach temperatures of 37 degrees in about four hours.
It also heats to 107 degrees, if you’re seeking a hot soak for sore muscles. You may see a little condensation on the chiller, tub, and connection hoses as the water switches from cold to hot, but that’s normal. You can control the temperature of the Inergize Cold and Hot Tub via buttons on the unit itself, or remotely via an app. It also includes a sanitation system and a filter, so you have to replace the water every few months.
The military-grade materials hold up to 70 gallons of water, and it’ll comfortably fit people up to 6’4” tall, though it may be a bit cramped for those on the larger size, requiring a knee-bend.
You’ll get a little workout setting it up. The included air pump is manual, though it’s double action and it takes an average of 10 to 15 minutes to fully inflate with the pump. It deflates in about the same time, and folds rather compactly, though the chiller and heater unit doesn’t compact.
Pros:
—App control for temperature
—Heats and cools
—Filtration system included
—Good for indoor or outdoor use
—Doesn’t require ice
Cons:
—Should have automatic inflation for the price
—Chilling and heating unit is cumbersome to travel with
—Doesn’t get colder than 37 degrees
Temperature range: 37 to 107 degrees Fahrenheit | Water capacity: 70 gallons | Warranty: One year | Dimensions: L 51 inches x W 28 inches x H 30 inches | Material: Military-grade drop-stitch
Best for Compact Spaces: Ice Barrel 400
The Ice Barrel 400 is only 31 inches wide, which will fit through any standard door, so this is good for apartments, smaller homes, or spaces. While careful individuals can likely use this indoors (have a drain hose and some towels handy), it’s meant for outdoor use. It can work on a balcony, though, provided the balcony can support 900 pounds.
It’s a giant empty plastic barrel—there’s no chiller—so you’ll need ice. You’ll need an estimated 40 to 100 pounds of ice every two or three days. (That said, Ice Barrel is now accepting pre-orders for a separate chiller unit, which will cost $2,799, and a conversion kit for the Ice Barrel 400 will be required.)
The vertical positioning affords 105 gallons of water, and the height of 42 inches means people up to 6 feet, 6 inches tall and 300 pounds can still get a fully submerged cold plunge. You’ll need a lot of ice if you want it extremely cold; there’s no insulation. And those temperatures may not hold for terribly long, but you only need a five minute cold plunge to achieve benefits.
When empty, it’s lightweight, only 55 pounds, so moving it is a one-person job. It comes with a stand to keep it steady, and a step stool for ingress and egress.
Pros:
—Good for tall people, up to 300 pounds
—Doesn’t need electricity
—Minimal footprint; great for small spaces
—Indoor or outdoor use
—Durable construction
—Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
—Needs constant ice
—Tricky to enter and exit
—May not retain cold temps in warmer climates
Temperature range: 38 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit | Water capacity: 105 gallons | Warranty: Limited lifetime | Dimensions: W 31 inches x H 42 inches | Material: Recycled low-density polyethylene
Best for Tall People: The Pod Company Ice Pod Pro
For individuals up to 6 foot, 9, inches, and 320 pounds, this is the cold plunge tub for you. The Ice Pod Pro has extra insulation (the thickest on the market, per company claims), is made of high-strength UV-resistant nylon, and it’s affordably priced, at $149. It’s also good for indoor or outdoor use.
That price gets you the tub, some sanitation chemicals, and not much else. There’s an optional $997 chiller that quickly connects and can get the water down to 39 degrees, but if you’re cool with adding your ice—15 to 40 pounds per session—you don’t need that. (Pro tip: Grab a few cases of plastic water bottles, freeze those, and toss those in instead of ice. They’ll melt slower and are refreezable.)
There’s no filtration or sanitation system, so it’s on you to be diligent about adding chemicals to keep the water clean. If you’re not regularly sanitizing it, you need to change the water once per week or every three or four sessions. To drain the tub, connect a garden hose to the spout on the bottom and open the tap.
Pros:
—Great for tall people
—Great bang for the buck
—Easy to move
—Indoor or outdoor use
—Optional chiller
Cons:
—No filtration system
—Requires more cleaning if not sanitizing regularly
Temperature range: 39 degrees Fahrenheit and up | Water capacity: 110 gallons | Warranty: One year | Dimensions: W 32 inches x H 30 inches | Material: High-strength UV-resistant nylon
Best for Athletes: Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro
There’s a reason Sun Home’s Cold Plunge Pro is the trusted cold plunge tub for the likes of the NBA, NFL, NHL, and the UFC: it’s incredibly cold. It gets down to 32 degrees, one of the coldest on the market. Literally freezing temperatures.
It makes ice, through an on-board ice generator that works quietly and quickly; it won’t be the noisest piece of equipment in your gym or home. It’s designed for indoor or outdoor use and features integrated forged wheels to make movement easier when it’s empty, which is helpful since the unit weighs 345 pounds dry.
A durable UV-resistant exterior wraps a stainless-steel inner tub. The latter helps keep everything frosty cold when plunging. It’s got a built-in LED lighting system and a digital control panel to set the temperature. With a volume of 150 gallons and an overall length of 74 inches, athletes up to 6’7” can fit comfortably. There’s even a back and neck rest to help you relax—if you’re able to relax in 32-degree water.
It’s plug and plunge; a regular outlet will work, and you’ll be up and running in a matter of minutes. It also has an advanced filtration and sanitization system that uses ozone and UV in addition to a 20-micron filter to keep the water clean even during heavy, constant use. Sun Home recommends changing the water every two months.
Pros:
—Coldest possible temperature
—Stainless-steel tub helps retain coldness
—Wheeled base helps with moving
—Can generate ice
Cons:
—No heater option, usually offered similarly priced models
—Outdoor storage in very low temperatures requires draining to prevent freezing
—1-year warranty is short for the price
Temperature range: 32 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit | Water capacity: 150 gallons | Warranty: One year | Dimensions: L 78.74 x W 34 inches x H 33.46 inches | Material: Military-grade metal and stainless steel
Best Two-Way Splurge: Chilly Goat Valaris Terrain
While the Inergize tub mentioned above can switch from a cold plunge tub to a hot tub, if you’re seeking temperature extremes, why not opt for the Chilly Goat Valaris Terrain? It’s got a hot tub on one side and a cold plunge on the other. This handsome all-weather teak cabinet with a white acrylic shell looks sleek and modern in any backyard. And there’s room for three, with ample seating and slip-resistant flooring and cushioning.
There’s built-in LED lighting that can change to an array of hues. It’s got 18 jets, 16 of which are hydro-massaging, perfect for hitting muscles precisely where you’d like. The hot tub holds 145 gallons of water and can reach a maximum temperature of 104 degrees. The cold tub holds 120 gallons and can reach a minimum temperature of 40 degrees.
Both sides run through a filtration and sanitization system that utilizes UV light, to eliminate the need for chemicals. And the Chilly Goat Valaris Terrain combo tub will accommodate any size person. The one major downside is you’ll need a dedicated 240V electrical line, installed by an electrician.
Pros:
—Instantly switch between hot and cold immersion
—Great design and durable materials
—Spacious enough for three
—2-year warranty on the shell, 1-year warranty on the components
—2 HP motor, the most powerful on the market
Cons:
—Requires dedicated 240V power line
—Requires a dedicated space in your home or yard
—Cold plunge tub doesn’t get below 40 degrees
Temperature range: 40 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit | Water capacity: 145 gallons (hot tub); 120 gallons (cold tub) | Warranty: Two-year | Dimensions: L 84 inches x W 84 inches x H 30 inches | Material: Teak wood and acrylic plastic
Best Professional-Grade Tub: BlueCube CoreChill Elite
This is a commercial-grade luxury cold plunge tub. What makes it worth $22,000? Custom, American-made framing and innards, an unbeatable circulation system, as well as a variety of customizable colors. You can pick from several dozen colorways to get the tub to match your exact decor or setting.
The frame is coated with Line-X, the same material used in truck bed liners. It’s impenetrable and impervious to the elements, so you can leave this outside for a lifetime without worrying about damaging it. (It’s perfectly fine indoors, too.)
It’s got a 1 horsepower commercial chiller that’s mated to a three-speed pump to give you multiple flow options and high flow rates. Blue Cube likens its highest flow option to sitting in an icy stream; the same drop of water won’t touch you twice without circulating.
The BlueCube CoreChill Elite comes in two sizes, 66 inches, and 72 inches, so you can easily submerge your head no matter your height. There’s a sizable wood-topped bench alongside the stainless-steel tub so you won’t struggle getting in or out. It gets down to 37 degrees and uses a 20-micro filter cartridge to trap body oils, dirt, and hair. (Those need to be changed every few months.) It also boasts an ozone sanitation system, for chemical-free cleansing of the water.
Pros:
—Highest possible flow rates
—5-year warranty
—Full immersion even for tall people
—Customizable colors
—Weatherproof for outdoor use
—High-powered chiller
Cons:
—No wheels for mobility
—Not the coldest plunge tub on the market
—Long wait times for build and delivery
Temperature range: 37 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit | Water capacity: 120 gallons | Warranty: 5 years | Dimensions: 66”: L 73 x W 49 inches x H 29 inches; 72”: L 79 inches x W 49 inches x H 29 inches | Material: Linex, wood, and stainless steel
Cold Plunge Tub FAQs
A few commonly asked questions about cold plunge tubs.
How Long Should You Stay in a Cold Plunge Tub?
Between two and 10 minutes. Some companies may suggest 15 minutes, but you’ll start to get the benefits from a cold plunge or ice bath after only two or three minutes. Remember, it’s a gradual process to build to 10 minutes. You may only be able to stay in for 30 seconds at first, and that’s okay.
Can You Cold Plunge Every Day?
You’ll want to give your body a break from cold immersion therapy, so try to limit it to two or three times per week. Your body needs time to recover and get its systems in working order before the next cold plunge.
Can You Take a Warm Shower After a Cold Plunge?
Not unless you want to lose all those glorious benefits. It’s much better to let the body warm up naturally instead of bombarding it with warm water.
