6 Best Cold Plunge Tubs for 2024

Written by Emma Cronan, Writer

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Looking for a cold plunge tub? We’re here to help you find the best option for your needs.

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Cold plunge tubs have become increasingly popular recently, as they are somewhat of a wellness trend. Maybe you’re looking to improve your muscle soreness and recovery¹, or perhaps you’re interested in a cold plunge tub because you’re trying to boost your immune system². Whatever your reason for diving into the world of cold plunge tubs may be, there are many different tubs to choose from, and you may not know where to start looking. 

We’ll detail the six best cold plunge tubs for 2024, highlighting the pros and cons of each tub. We’ll also discuss who should consider buying a cold plunge tub and how to choose the right tub for you. Finally, we’ll discuss types of cold therapy and the benefits of this type of therapy, along with answering some frequently asked questions. 

Our Pick for The Best Cold Plunge Tub

The Plunge cold plunge tub earned out top spot due to its versatility (indoor or outdoor use) and its other customizable options.

6 Best Cold Plunge Tubs

• The Plunge – Editor’s Pick
• The Ice Pod – Best Inflatable Cold Plunge Tub
• NAICID Ice Bath Tub – Best Budget Cold Plunge Tub
• Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0 – Best Hot and Cold Plunge Tub
• Inergize Cold And Hot Plunge Tub  – Best Customizable Cold Plunge Tub
• Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 2.0 – Best Splurge Cold Plunge Tub

Best Cold Plunge Tubs

The Plunge – Editor’s Pick

The Plunge

The Plunge is a versatile option available with cold and hot features, lights, and is built to last.

Sleep Advisor Score

4.90 / 5

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Why the Plunge Earned Editor’s Pick

The Plunge earned the Editor’s Pick title because of its fantastic qualities. This cold plunge tub can go as low as 39 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can set it up in less than 20 minutes. It has fantastic filtration that constantly circulates clean, cold water and provides ozone sanitation. 

We appreciate how customizable the Plunge is, which includes the option to purchase a hot and cold combination tub. The Plunge also features underwater lights, can be used indoors or outdoors, and is built to last with acrylic, metal, and fiberglass. All of these qualities constitute why The Plunge earned the top spot.

Our Take: While it is pricey, the Plunge is customizable and comes with all the bells and whistles.

What We Liked

• Available in two different sizes – We think the Plunge is a great option for taller folks because if you’re over 6 feet tall, you’re able to purchase the XL tub. Although this will cost you more than the Standard-size tub, it will be much more comfortable to sit in for taller people. 
• Indoor and outdoor use – This cold plunge tub can be used indoors or outdoors, which increases your options as to where you can store your cold plunge tub. Not only that, but you may want to keep your tub outside in the warmer months and move it inside when it’s colder out. 
• Can be purchased with a hot water feature – For an additional 600 dollars, you can purchase The Plunge with an additional hot water feature. This way, your plunge tub is more versatile and can be used more often. 

Potential Dealbreakers

• Not for budget shoppers – While this cold plunge tub has many appealing features, the most basic model of this tub costs around 5,000 dollars. If you’re not fully committed to the cold plunge tub lifestyle, you may want to purchase a less expensive tub, at least for now. 
• Limited warranty – The Plunge has a one-year warranty. While this may be long enough for some people, others prefer a longer warranty, especially on a more costly item like this tub. 

The Ice Pod – Best Inflatable Cold Plunge Tub

The Ice Pod

The Ice Pod is a high-quality, affordable, and inflatable cold plunge option.

Sleep Advisor Score

4.80 / 5

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Why the Ice Pod Earned Best Inflatable Cold Plunge Tub

The Ice Pod earned Best Inflatable because even though it is inflatable and more affordable, it is still made of high-quality materials. This inflatable tub has thick insulation and UV-resistant nylon, helping to ensure the water stays at the optimal cold temperature. 

You can use the Ice Pod indoors or outdoors. We also love that it comes with a cover lid and is easily transportable due to its ability to deflate. Additionally, this cold plunge tub has free shipping and returns, including free home delivery. 

Our Take: It’s hard to beat this inflatable cold tub with its low price and quality materials.

What We Liked

• Price – The standard version of this cold plunge tub costs around 135 dollars, which is a fraction of the price of most cold plunge tubs that are not inflatable. If you’re shopping on a budget, we think this tub is a great option for you. 
• Easily transportable – Since the Ice Pod is inflatable, that means it’s easily transportable. If you travel often, have a second home, or move homes frequently, an inflatable cold plunge tub is a really practical choice, since regular tubs are harder to transport. 
• 100-day return policy – The Ice Pod has a 100-day return policy, so if you try this cold plunge tub out and dislike it, you can return it. This is a great feature if you’re interested in trying cold plunging but are not sure whether or not it’s for you; it’s a low-commitment way to take a stab at it.

Potential Dealbreakers

• Weight limit – The Ice Pod has a weight limit of 300 pounds, so heavier people may not fit comfortably in this inflatable cold plunge tub. If you weigh over 300 pounds, you may find other cold tubs to be more comfortable. 
• Not for luxury shoppers – We think luxury shoppers may find that the Ice Pod falls short of expectations. While this cold plunge tub provides the basic necessities for a successful cold plunge, it does not include lights, water circulation, and other qualities that more expensive tubs have. 

NAICID Ice Bath Tub – Best Budget Cold Plunge Tub

NAICID Ice Bath

The NAICID is a great option for budget shoppers getting into cold plunge.

Sleep Advisor Score

4.40 / 5

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Why the NAICID Earned Best Budget Cold Plunge Tub

The NAICID Ice Bath Tub earned Best Budget Cold Plunge Tub because of its low price, costing only 69 dollars. This product has many of the sought-after qualities of a typical cold plunge tub, such as low temperature, temperature retention, leak protection, and sturdy rods and reinforcement to ensure long-lasting use. 

Although this tub does not come with additional features that luxury shoppers may prefer, we think it is a fantastic option for budget shoppers. We’d add that the NAICID is an especially great choice for people who want to try out owning a cold plunge tub but are not ready to commit to a more expensive, stationary tub.

Our Take: The NAICID is extremely affordable, yet it still goes as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit and is designed with supportive, quality materials that are made to last.

What We Liked

• Low price – Without any discounts, this cold plunge tub costs around 90 dollars, which is far less expensive than most tubs. The NAICID is a great choice if you want to try cold plunging but are not ready to commit to an expensive product.
• Portable – The NAICID takes less than five minutes to assemble, and you can easily move it from inside your home to outside with the change of seasons. We think this portability is highly convenient for consumers.
• Great for heavier folks – The NAICID can hold up to 660 pounds and is sturdy and durable. If you’re looking for a cold plunge tub for heavier folks, we feel this should be a great choice. 

Potential Dealbreakers

• May be uncomfortable – This cold plunge is more of a vertical shape than horizontal, so when in the tub you may feel like you’re crouching or sitting on your knees, which could be uncomfortable. Conversely, some other cold plunge tubs are horizontally long, so you’re able to be in more of a lying down position. 
• No hot tub option – Since the NAICID is so affordable, it does not include additional features, such as a hot water setting. Some people enjoy buying a cold plunge tub that has the option to turn hot since that increases the tub’s versatility. 

Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0 – Best Hot and Cold Plunge Tub

Brainpod 2.0

The Brainpod 2.0 includes both cold and hot temperature options without additional costs.

Sleep Advisor Score

4.90 / 5

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Why the Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0 Earned Best Hot and Cold Plunge Tub

The Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0 earned Best Hot and Cold Tub because the hot temperature option is included with your purchase at no additional fee, which is not as common for most cold plunge tubs on the market. Therefore, this tub can be used for its traditional purpose of cold plunging, but it can also be used as a hot tub. 

Although it’s on the more expensive side, the Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0 has a temperature range of 39 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, includes a built-in filtration system and pump, and has wheels that make the tub easy to transport. 

Our Take: We think the Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0 is a high-quality, sleek tub that can be used as both a cold plunge tub and a hot tub.

What We Liked

• Cold and hot included – When you purchase the Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0, you receive a tub that is programmed to be both a cold and hot tub, with no additional fee. Oftentimes companies charge an extra fee for the hot option, but not Polar Monkeys. This tub can range from 39 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. We love the versatility of both hot and cold options.
• Various color options – This cold plunge tub can be purchased in black or white, and for an additional 600 dollars, you can buy this tub in the “Monkeyverse” pattern. If you want your cold plunge tub to blend into your home seamlessly, you may want to look for a tub that comes in various color options. 
• Can be used indoors or outdoors – You can use the Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0 indoors and outdoors. Even if you’re in a warmer climate outside, the tub’s chiller should keep the water cold enough for your needs. 

Potential Dealbreakers

• Expensive – The Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0 costs just over 4,000 dollars, which may be way more money than some people are willing to spend on a cold plunge tub. If you’re shopping on a budget, you may want to check out a less expensive cold plunge tub.
• Tub cover not included – The recommended insulated tub cover for the Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0 is not included with your purchase. If you want this insulated cover, you’ll have to purchase it for an additional 349 dollars.

Inergize Cold And Hot Plunge Tub – Best Customizable Cold Plunge Tub

Inergize Cold + Hot Plunge Tub

The Inergize tub is versatile, with the ability to use inside or out, and portable for travel.

Sleep Advisor Score

5.00 / 5

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Why the Inergize Earned Best Customizable Cold Plunge Tub

The Inergize Cold and Hot Plunge Tub has a lot of great qualities that earned it the title of Best Customizable Cold Plunge Tub. The Inergize is portable for travel, and it can get as cold as 37 degrees Fahrenheit and as hot as 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This tub can also be used indoors or outdoors and is app-controlled. We feel that all of these features increase the product’s level of customizability. 

Even though the Inergize Cold and Hot Plunge Tub is a luxury product in terms of price, you’ll receive a high-quality, specialized product that is comfortable and inflatable. 

Our Take: We love that this tub has so many customizable features, yet you can still roll it up and carry it like a backpack.

What We Liked

• Temperature range – This hot and cold tub can be set to any temperature ranging from 37 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This wide temperature range makes this tub very versatile since you can use it as a traditional cold plunge tub, or you can heat the water and use the Inergize as a hot tub.
• Portable – The Inergize is portable and easy to transport from place to place. In fact, it rolls into a duffle bag, making it all the more convenient. 
• App controlled – This tub can be controlled by an app on your phone, making it easier to start heating or cooling the water, even when you’re not right by the plunge tub. Also, when you’re in the tub, you can use the app to adjust the temperature to your liking. 

Potential Dealbreakers

• Not for budget shoppers – The customizability and wide range of features that accompany the Inergize lead to a higher price. This tub costs nearly 5,000 dollars, so if you’re looking to purchase a cold plunge tub on a budget, this likely is not the best option for you.
• Not as aesthetically pleasing – While we wouldn’t say the design of this cold plunge tub is ugly, it’s not as aesthetically pleasing as some other tubs on the market. If you’re looking for a tub that will blend seamlessly into your home along with your other decor, you may want to keep searching. 

Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 2.0 – Best Splurge Cold Plunge Tub

Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 2.0

The Cold Stoic 2.0 is a luxury plunge tank packed with features, in additional to being aesthetically beautiful

Sleep Advisor Score

5.00 / 5

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Why the Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 2.0 Earned Best Splurge Cold Plunge Tub

The Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 2.0 is the Best Splurge choice because although it costs almost 10,000 dollars, it has many awesome features. Along with its beautiful, customizable exterior, the tub can be used indoors and outdoors, has a five-year warranty and an integrated chiller and water filtration system, and is covered by an insulated lid. 

Along with those perks, the tub comes with a matching step stool that helps you easily get in and out of the tub. If you’re a dedicated cold plunger and don’t think you’ll become bored of this wellness trend anytime soon, you may want to invest in this premium cold plunge tub.

Our Take: While this tub is definitely an investment, we think the Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 2.0 has the features and design to back up the price.

What We Liked

• Customizable – When you purchase this tub, you have the choice of six different colors for the exterior of the tub, along with four different breath deck wood colors. This customizability helps ensure that your cold plunge tub matches the aesthetic of your home or outdoor living space, creating a more seamless look. 
• Size – This tub has an extra 5 cubic square feet to it, compared to the Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 1.0, which makes the 2.0 more accessible for taller or heavier folks. A lot of cold plunge tubs don’t accommodate people who need more space, so this is a plus 
• Weatherproof – If you want to have the option of moving your tub indoors or outdoors, this tub is a great option. The Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 2.0 is weatherproof, so it won’t be damaged if it’s in your yard, but it is still possible to keep it inside your home.

Potential Dealbreakers

• Very expensive – The Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 2.0 costs about 10,000 dollars. Although this price accounts for its various luxury features, not everyone will have the budget for this type of cold plunge purchase.
• Spa light is an additional fee – The standard version of this tub does not include an underwater spa light, which may be frustrating given the already high price. You can purchase this light for an additional 319.99 dollars.

Who Should Consider Buying a Cold Plunge Tub?

Based on the benefits of cold plunge therapy, there are certain groups of people who should consider buying a cold plunge tub. We suggest a cold plunge tub for athletes or people with chronic pain³, those with depression or anxiety⁴, and people looking for an immune boost.² 

Who Should Avoid Cold Plunge Tubs?

While cold plunge therapy can be helpful for many people, it can also be harmful to others. The following people should avoid cold plunge therapy:

• People with heart disease⁵
• Anyone with any sort of cardiac history⁶
• Those with Raynaud’s syndrome⁵
• People with high blood pressure⁵
• People with low blood pressure⁶
• Those with any sort of peripheral vascular disease⁵
• People with diabetes and vascular issues⁵
• People taking Beta blockers⁶
• People with a low resting heart rate⁶

How to Choose a Cold Plunge Tub

Size & Capacity

The size and weight capacity of the cold plunge tub you choose should be based on who will be using the product. Make sure you check out the dimensions and weight capacity of any tubs you want to purchase. If you’re above average in height or weight, you should verify that the cold plunge tub you’re interested in will comfortably hold you. 

Temperature Range

The ideal temperature range of your prospective cold plunge tub will ultimately be based on what you’re looking to do with the product. If you’re using it exclusively for cold plunges, temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit should do the trick, based on Renu Therapy’s⁷ suggestion of a cold plunge being between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. 

However, if you want to find a tub that acts as both a cold plunge tub and a hot tub, you’ll want the temperature range to be much wider. For instance, the Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0 has a temperature range of 39 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it the perfect hot and cold tub. 

Materials and Insulation

We suggest that you research the materials and insulation of a cold plunge tub before purchasing one. You’ll likely want a tub with sturdy sides and reinforcement like the NAICID Ice Bath Tub, as this will hopefully ensure that the product lasts longer. 

Insulation is also a really important aspect when it comes to a cold plunge tub. MIG Home⁸ explains that “insulation works by slowing the movement of heat from a hot space to a cooler space.” In other words, insulation helps ensure that the tub’s water stays cold or warm for a longer amount of time. For example, the Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0 can be purchased with an insulated tub cover that will maintain your desired water temperature for longer.

Water Filtration

Water filters keep the cold plunge tub’s water clean and sanitary. Some tubs have automatic filtration, while others have a detachable filter. Water filtration is another consideration when deciding between multiple different cold plunge tubs. 

Cleaning & Maintenance

It’s important to look into the cleaning and maintenance features of a cold plunge tub. Some tubs have self-cleaning mechanisms, while others require you to clean the water and tub yourself. Not only that but the maximum amount of time between each cleaning period is often specified on the manufacturer’s website. This is all important information to know before you invest in a cold plunge tub. 

Price

Depending on how experienced you are with cold plunges, you may want to purchase a more budget-friendly cold plunge tub or a more luxurious one. If you have minimal experience with cold plunging, we suggest you try out a less expensive tub such as the Ice Pod or the NAICID. On the contrary, if you participate in cold plunges often and know a lot about the wellness ritual, you may want to splurge on a more high-end, expensive tub like the Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 2.0.

Warranty

When purchasing a cold plunge tub, you might want to find a tub that has a warranty, whether it be a year-long warranty or one that is much longer. If you’re buying a more expensive, luxury cold plunge tub, you’ll want to check out the product’s warranty. If the tub were to break or stop functioning, you’d want to receive money back or a replacement, especially if you spent a lot of money on it. 

Delivery & Assembly

When shopping for a cold plunge tub, you may want to find a company that does in-home delivery and assembly. This way, your tub will be assembled for you, and you don’t have to lift a finger. 

Alternatively, many cold plunge tubs are easy to assemble, especially those that are inflatable or easily transportable. As such, you should understand the conditions of delivery and assembly before purchasing a certain cold plunge tub. 

Customer Reviews

Reading customer reviews for a cold plunge tub is a great way to learn more about the product and how it fairs in real-life situations. While many brands include customer reviews on their website, we advise looking into third-party reviews, such as those from Amazon. These customers often provide really honest opinions on the quality of the product’s materials and how well the product works.  

Types of Cold Therapy

• Traditional Cold Plunge Tubs – A traditional cold plunge tub is what we’ve listed above. When these tubs are turned on, you can set them to your desired temperature, which is typically around around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.⁷ According to research, you should only cold plunge for around 11 to 15 minutes⁹. 

• Cold Shower or Bath – Typically, a cold shower or bath is around 10 degrees warmer than a cold plunge tub, and UCLA Health advises that people only stay in a cold shower or bath for 30 seconds to three minutes.³ However, if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to obtain similar benefits to those of a cold plunge tub, you may want to try a cold shower. 

• Ice Bath – When you take an ice bath, you are simply sitting in a bathtub or container filled with ice and cold water. With ice, you’re unable to control the temperature as easily as water, so an ice bath will be much colder than a cold plunge since ice is only 32 degrees Fahrenheit¹⁰. 

• Cryotherapy – Cryotherapy¹¹ is a form of cold therapy typically done by a healthcare provider, and it is much colder because it uses liquid nitrogen or argon gas. The cold will typically be applied to abnormal tissue using a cotton swab or spraying device.¹⁰ 

Benefits of Cold Plunge Therapy

There are some great benefits of cold plunge therapy, including some sleep-related benefits:

• Improves muscle soreness and reduces inflammation – Cold plunging can be therapeutic and soothing when you have sore muscles, and it can reduce inflammation.¹  Oftentimes, athletes will use cold plunge therapy after a hard workout or a game. 
• Boosts immune system – Cold water can help boost your immune system and your cardiovascular health and circulation, according to a 2016 study.²
• Reduces depression and anxiety symptoms – Cold water has an antidepressant effect, along with decreasing anxiety.⁴ While this is not a psychological treatment for depressive or anxiety disorders, it may be a way you can reduce the severity of your symptoms at home. 
• Can increase metabolism – Research¹² shows that cold exposure may increase your metabolism and burn calories. The reasoning behind this finding is that when your body is cold, it uses more energy.¹¹ However, you likely won’t start losing weight if you only cold plunge. If you’re looking to lose weight, you could cold plunge along with working out and eating healthily. 
• Can improve your sleep – A 2018 study¹³ found that cold therapy can reduce stress levels, which thereby promotes better sleep. The science behind this is that the vagus nerve¹⁴ in our necks is responsible for calming us down, and when our necks are exposed to cold water, the cold water stimulates the vagus nerve, prompting calmness and reducing anxiety.

Learn more: Cold Plunge Therapy Benefits

Best Cold Plunge Tub FAQs

Is a cold plunge tub worth it?

If you’re interested in cold plunge therapy, a cold plunge tub will likely be worth the purchase. If you’re unsure about buying a luxury tub that costs upwards of 5,000 dollars, though, we recommend you look for an inflatable or cheap tub. Another way to test out this therapy without putting money down is a cold bath or shower.

How big of a tub do I need for a cold plunge?

While there is not a specific size cold plunge tub that is best for everyone, make sure you check out the dimensions of the tub you’re considering purchasing, along with a potential weight limit. You’ll want to make sure that the tub you’re looking at will be large enough to comfortably accommodate you.

Can I do a cold plunge in the bathtub?

Yes, you could certainly try a cold plunge in your bathtub at home. If you take a cold bath, you should be in the bathtub no longer than three minutes.³

You may also try an ice bath in your bathtub, where you fill the bathtub with ice and cold water. An ice bath is much colder than a cold plunge or a cold bath, though, which might be difficult for those brand-new to this form of therapy.

Learn more: https://www.sleepadvisor.org/cold-plunge-vs-cold-shower/

What is the best cold tub?

Ultimately, the best cold tub will depend on what you’re looking for. Our editor’s favorite is The Plunge, while budget shoppers may prefer the NAICID or the Ice Pod. Take into consideration various factors you’re interested in when searching for the perfect cold tub for you, such as price, size, water filtration, and temperature regulation.

What temperature should a cold plunge tub be?

According to Renu Therapy, a brand that sells cold plunge tubs, the ideal temperature for a cold plunge is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.⁷ However, listen to your body since some people prefer colder or warmer water temperatures.