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Updated January 22nd, 2024: This article on the best cold plunge and ice bath tubs was updated with new product picks as well as additional expert insight on how long to use a cold plunge and more about the benefits of cold water therapy.
If you’re looking to improve your sleep, boost your immunity, and relieve achy muscles, brace yourself: A shock of cold water may be your golden ticket. Personal cold plunge and ice bath tubs allow you to reboot your mind and body at home, and you now have options to suit any abode.
Cold plunges are outliers in the wellness space, with proven benefits and a slew of supporters that range from the Hadids to Hippocrates (the ancient Greek physician is cited as the grandfather of cryotherapy). So one thing’s for certain: Cold plunges and ice baths have enduring appeal. “An icy dip triggers your body’s nervous system,” biohacking expert and HigherDose founder Lauren Berlingeri explains. “That initial shock from the cold water shifts your body into a healing parasympathetic state (a.ka. rest and digest), which promotes deep rest, whole-body relaxation, and faster recovery.” Regenerative medicine doctor, Dr. Neil Paulvin, DO, adds that ice baths can “improve our mental health by boosting dopamine and decreasing inflammation.”
Celebrities like Gwenyth Paltrow, Kylie Jenner, Madonna, Bella Hadid, and Kristen Bell have popularized ice baths as part of their wellness rituals, while musicians like Rüfüs du Sol swear by a 3-minute post-show soak to stay fresh on tour. One of the best parts of cold plunges is that you don’t have to be an A-lister to partake in the self care practice — all you need is cold water, ice, a vessel to fill up, and the courage to take the plunge.
Just like acupressure mats, infrared sauna blankets, LED face masks, and deep tissue massagers, ice bath tubs are a way to calm your mind and relax your body without stepping out the door. We’ve canvassed the experts and researched the top offerings to find the best cold plunge and ice bath tubs. Read on to find the best tub for you, and learn about cold plunge and ice bath benefits.
The Best Cold Plunge and Ice Bath Tubs of 2024
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The Cold Pod Ice Bath Tub
Size: 30 inches tall by 35.5 inches wide
Capacity: 116 gallons
Usage: Indoor and outdoor use
Drain: Yes
Pros:
Lightweight build; 11 pounds when empty
Tub cover included
Fast draining design
Cons:
Some testers report leaking after consistent usage
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
An excellent entry-level cold plunge tub, the Cold Pod Ice Bath Tub is a budget-friendly choice for backyard ice bathers. Its 116-gallon capacity is larger than many on our list, allowing ample room for those over 6 feet tall. Despite the price, this portable ice bath is easy to build and features four layers of material that insulate the water temperature and contribute to its durability on hard surfaces. Note that because of its size, some petite testers report having a hard time exiting the tub without assistance.
What testers say: “For the price, it can’t be beat. I think these probably fare better than a lot of the more expensive ones. I’ve used mine for a few months now and I love it. It’s small, so it’s inconspicuous in our backyard. But it isn’t super thin on the bottom (I have mine placed on top of landscaping rocks). Easy to cover and uncover, fill and empty. Even though I am doing this almost every day now, I wouldn’t dream of upgrading to another tub. Love this one.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $155
Ice Barrel 400 Cold Plunge Tub
Size: 42 inches tall by 31 inches wide
Usage: Outdoor
Capacity: 105 gallons
Drain: Yes
Pros:
Non-slip step stool for easy entry
Sturdy material
Retains cold temperature
Cons:
Large size is cumbersome to move
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
The extra spacious Ice Barrel 400 makes it easy to dunk your body into an ice bath. Rather than reclining in a tub, the barrel is designed for all shapes and sizes to crouch in the cold for a few minutes. Although you can easily drain barrel, the included lid helps keep the water inside chilly so you can recycle the water for a few uses. The upright shape takes up less space than traditional tubs, and this home ice bath comes with a small step stool for easy entry.
What testers say: “The barrel’s upright build allows me to submerge comfortably (despite being 6’4) and enables me to focus on my breath work and meditation. It’s ideal for getting the total benefits of a cold plunge and I leave the barrel feeling refreshed every single time.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,199.99
Rubbermaid Commercial Structural Foam Stock Tank
Size: 53 inches long by 31 inches wide
Capacity: 100 gallons
Usage: Indoor and outdoor
Drain: Yes
Pros:
Durable material
Easy to clean
Simple to use
Cons:
Takes a long time to drain
Doesn’t come with cover
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Rubbermaid is a trusted brand for all things storage, and this Commercial Structural Foam Stock Tank moonlights as a DIY cold plunge tub. Although it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of other tubs on our list, it’s just as efficient for a quick plunge: The polyethylene material is ultra-durable, and it features a drainage spout to quickly empty the tub when you’re done bathing. The high quality material is also easy to clean — unlike thin plastic tubs, it stands up to household cleaners and high water pressure if you opt to hose it down.
What testers say: “I’m using this for ice baths and it’s perfect. I got the 100 gallon and my 6’2” husband fits with extra room. It’s very sturdy.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $157.98
Plunge Cold Plunge Tub
Size: 67 inches long by 43 inches wide
Capacity: About 100 gallons
Usage: Indoor and outdoor
Drain: Yes
Pros:
Self contained system that filters water so you don’t need to refill with each use
Built-in circulation system keeps water chilled
Designed with durable materials like fiberglass
Cons:
Not portable
If you’re serious about cold water therapy, Plunge’s Cold Plunge Tub is an investment piece you’ll use for years. It’s one of the few tubs available that has a self contained filtration system, meaning you don’t have to refill the basin for each use. In fact, once you fill it, the water inside will stay fresh for up to six months. The acrylic and fiberglass materials are ultra high quality, so you won’t experience an ounce of leaking. Serious cold plungers will love that you can adjust the temperature to as low as a bone-chilling 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
What testers say: “The plunge has been an absolute game changer. Sometimes I go twice a day. It has supercharged my morning routine, allowed me to increase my exercise volume, and I have adopted a solid breathing practice that is a direct byproduct of cold exposure. I never really meditated or did breath work consistently but the Plunge basically comes with that as bonus.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $4,490
Shuimeiyan Portable Bath Tub
Size: 33.5 inches tall by 29.5 inches wide
Capacity: 88 gallons
Usage: Indoor and outdoor
Drain: Yes
Pros:
Fits in most showers
Collapsible design for easy storage
Cons:
Material is not durable
Small capacity; not for tall people
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Similarly to the Ice Barrel, the Shuimeiyan Portable Bath Tub is designed in an upright shape for quick ice dunking. The collapsible design feels sturdy once it’s full with ice and water, and it features an inflatable rim so you can comfortably rest your neck while you’re icing. And the PVC mesh material retains the water temperature inside, whether hot or cold. This tub is unique because it features two drains, one at the bottom and one on the side, so it’s one of the quickest to empty and break down on our list.
What testers say: “The inflatable rim makes setup pretty easy. The material is very durable. It’s great for an ice bath or a long soak because the tub is quite deep.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $49.99
Kiseely Portable Foldable Bathtub
Size: 47 inches long by 22 inches wide
Usage: Indoor and outdoor
Drain: Yes
Pros:
Includes multiple headrest options
Multiple layers of material help maintain water temperature
Cons:
Difficult to assemble
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
The indoor- and outdoor-friendly Kiseely Portable Foldable Bathtub earns high marks for its ability to retain hot and cold temperatures. That’s thanks to its six layers of material, including layers of thermal insulating cotton, PVC, and thick waterproof lining, plus an included lid that zips around you while you’re ice bathing. Testers note that it’s highly unlikely to leak, so you can comfortably dunk into an ice bath indoors without fearing your floors.
What testers say: “The material is thick and high quality. I’m about 175 pounds and this bathtub can hold me without any problem. The size is larger than I thought. The amazing thing is that the bathtub is light and easy to fold without water, once you fill it with water, it becomes very sturdy.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $76.99
Ice Barrel 300 Cold Plunge Tub
Size: 30.5 inches tall by 35.5 inches wide
Capacity: 77 gallons
Usage: Outdoor
Drain: Yes
Pros:
Smaller footprint than original Ice Barrel 400
UV-resistant lid
Created with recycled plastic
Cons:
Not suitable for plungers over 6’2 or 250 pounds
The newest Ice Barrel 300 model is shallower than the original Ice Barrel 400 — this makes it easier to get into, however it also makes it less accommodating for tall folks. But if you’re under 6 feet tall, this is an investment-worthy ice bath tank. It’s created with recycled plastic and highly insulating polyurethane foam that keeps the water cool even in warmer months, and the cold plunge tub is also compatible with chillers for those in hot climates. A small seat inside the tub allows you to sit while you’re plunging.
What testers say: “After having gone through two of the cheaper inflatable tubs, I decided to spend the money on one that was going to last. I love it so far, it’s comfortable for me and maintains water temperature without constantly having to add ice. It looks good and is easy to drain.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,199
Edge Theory Labs The Edge Tub Elite
Size: 63.5 inches long by 35.4 inches wide
Usage: Indoor and outdoor
Drain: Yes
Pros:
Compresses into a backpack for storage
Included chiller quickly cools water and maintains desired temperature
Only needs to be fully drained every 3 months
Cons:
Some testers report issues with the connecting app
Many inflatable ice bath tubs are created with flimsy materials that risk tears and rips on rugged surfaces. Not the case with Edge Theory Labs’ The Edge Tub Elite, which is made with the same material as stand up paddle boards and inflatable boats. The connecting chiller keeps the tub clean and as cold as your heart desires — this ice bath and hot tub has a water temperature range of 37 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which you can control from a connecting smartphone app. When not in use, this portable ice bath packs down into a backpack, so it won’t take up too much precious storage space in your garage.
What testers say: “The Edge Tub is a top tier product and extremely easy to use. Overall I really, really love my Edge tub. It was very easy to set-up and I am not someone who is incredibly strong or good at putting things together.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $5,490
Cold Plunge Benefits: Why Ice Baths Are Good for You
While cold plunges and ice baths have loads of benefits for your mind and body, it’s important to note that those with nerve issues, heart and lung difficulties, or open wounds should avoid cold plunges, according to Dr. Paulvin. Otherwise, enjoy a few minutes in the cold to enjoy the following benefits:
- A mood boost: “Ice baths improve our mental health by boosting dopamine,” says Dr. Paulvin. But these cold plunges impact more than that feel-good hormone. “Ice baths boost your brain’s production of endorphins — hello, happy rush — and norepinephrine, the hormone responsible for regulating your energy and focus,” says Berlingeri.
- Better sleep: By calming down your sympathetic nervous system — the part of your body that activates the “fight or flight” response, cold plunges can improve the quality of your sleep, says Dr. Paulvin. “Ice baths stimulate our stress response and recovery process, all of which contribute to better sleep, a boost in mood, and less fatigue,” he explains. According to Berlingeri, taking an ice bath after heat therapy from a sauna blanket will increase the production of melatonin, aka the sleep hormone.
- Decreased inflammation: “Cold plunges can cause vasoconstriction, which is the closing of blood vessels to limit inflammatory chemicals getting to the area,” says Dr. Paulvin. Decreased inflammation helps alleviate chronic pain from conditions like arthritis. Because cold plunges decrease blood flow, they’re not ideal for those looking to build muscle after a workout (you won’t get the proper circulation to muscles to increase their mass).
- Improved immunity: “Cold plunges can help strengthen the immune system,” Dr. Paulvin says. “When the body is immersed in cold water, it stimulates leukocytes, the white blood cells that help fight off sickness,” he explains.
- Less muscular pain: Although cold plunges don’t help build muscles, they can soothe sore ones. According to a 2017 review published in Experimental Physiology, cold water exposure can have a pain relieving effect on muscles and prevent muscle spasms.
- Calmer skin: If you’re looking to relieve redness, ice baths are an option. “Ice baths and cold plunges constrict blood vessels in the skin,” says New York City dermatologist Dr. Dan Belkin. “This can have some anti-inflammatory benefit, reducing redness, swelling, and symptoms like itchiness.”
How Long and How Often to Cold Plunge
The best way to begin cold plunging is to ease yourself into cold water exposure. “If you’re just getting started with cold water therapy, a cold shower works great,” Berlingeri says. Try staying in the cold shower for two full minutes to get acclimated. Once you’re ready to upgrade to a cold plunge, Dr. Paulvin says to aim for three to four minutes sessions with temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Dr. Paulvin says 11 minutes of cold plunging per week is optimal for benefits, which nets out to about three ice bath sessions per week.
How to Take a Cold Plunge or Ice Bath
First things first, abide by the buddy system: Because ice baths are a shock to the system, it’s best to plunge with a friend (or your phone, at a minimum) nearby in case of an adverse reaction.
- Fill the tub: You can use cold water on its own, or cold water with a hefty pour of ice for a chillier soak. As a general rule, fill the tub about two thirds of its full capacity. Be sure to check your tub’s instruction manual — some have capacity limits.
- Get dressed: “It’s important to protect your skin before you take the plunge,” says Berlingeri. “You should wear, at a minimum, a t-shirt and shorts.” If you’re feeling bold, you can go with a bathing suit — either way, you’ll soak up all the benefits. Be sure to set a dry pair sweatpants and a sweatshirt nearby so you can quickly change after the plunge.
- Take the plunge: Do your best to expose everything from your shoulders down to the ice bath. If you’re having trouble convincing yourself to get in, follow Berlingeri’s advice. She enters an ice bath thinking, “this hurts so good,” while running through all the things the practice will do for her body. Breath work can also help.
- Breathe deeply: Both Dr. Paulvin and Berlingeri recommend the Wim Hof breathing technique. Start with 30 to 40 quick, deep breaths, exhaling through your mouth. Next, inhale deeply, let it out, and keep your lungs deflated as long as possible. Take another deep breath and hold it for about 15 seconds. Repeat this sequence three to four times.
Tips for Choosing the Best Cold Plunge and Ice Bath Tubs
- Consider the capacity and design: Most cold plunges on the market float around a 100 gallon capacity, which caters to average height men and women. Smaller options (down to 80 to 90 gallons) are available for petite plungers, while brands like Plunge offer XL sizes for people over 6 feet tall. You can choose from plunge tubs in two shapes, which is a decision that comes down to personal preference. Upright cold plunge tubs require crouching down, where traditional bathtub-shaped cold plunges allow you to stretch out your limbs.
- Indoor vs. outdoor tubs: Getting in and out of a cold plunge tub results in some water spillage, so outdoor cold plunge tubs are more popular than indoor options. The best outdoor ice baths are equipped with features like weather-resistant materials and covers that prevent damage or dirt from building up. Indoor ice baths are generally designed with a smaller footprint that can fit within a shower or bathtub.
- Maintenance: Ice bath tubs range from simple vessels to souped up machines with built-in filtration and water cooling systems. Basic outdoor ice bath tubs without cooling systems may retain the water temperature for a few weeks, depending on the climate (those in warm regions may need to add ice or more cold water with each use). Most ice bath tub manufacturers recommend switching out the water every four weeks, or more frequently if the water appears dirty — brands like Ice Barrel offer water stabilizers that will extend the freshness of your water between uses. Take note of the manual for cleaning instructions between fills; many tubs are safe to clean with a household soap.
How We Chose the Best Cold Plunge and Ice Bath Tubs
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
To choose the best cold plunge and ice bath tubs, we spoke to three experts with different backgrounds and areas of expertise. We used their input to inform our choices on this list, also factoring in materials, drainage, portability, and how easy the tubs are to assemble. Versatility is another a factor we kept in mind: We made sure to include a range of options that can be used indoors and outdoors, as well as tubs that are friendly for hot baths. We also studied recent research related to cold water therapy to fully understand the proven benefits of cold plunges. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Lauren Berlingeri is the co-founder of HigherDose. She began her career as a renowned nutritionist and health coach, wellness product developer and host of the popular series Woman vs. Workout. She discovered the power of Infrared technology — specifically Infrared saunas — through these experiences as sweating it out helped her recover from intense exercise challenges while also boosting her mood. Shocked by the effectiveness of this nature-inspired technology and the lack of knowledge surrounding it, she saw an opportunity to bring the biohacking tool to the masses. Since then, the brand has experienced meteoric success, boiling down to a true revolutionization of the spa business. As a female biohacker and mother of twins, Lauren brings a fresh perspective to a space that has been dominated by male voices from its inception, making it HigherDose’s core mission to educate women about their bio-individuality and give them the tools they need to reach their own best selves, with content designed to educate people on how to take control of their own wellness regimens.
Dr. Dan Belkin is a board-certified dermatologist who is fellowship-trained in cosmetic dermatology, laser surgery, and Mohs micrographic surgery. He is also subspecialty board-certified in dermatologic surgery. Before joining New York Dermatology Group and NYDG Wellness in 2021, he practiced since 2017 at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. In addition to a strong foundation in medical dermatology, he has experience in a wide range of lasers, energy-based devices, surgical techniques, and injectables, allowing him to approach aging, aesthetics, and skin health in a creative and comprehensive manner. He has authored several textbook chapters on dermatologic surgery and multiple original articles, which have appeared in journals such as the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, JAMA Dermatology, and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Subjects include high risk skin cancer, lasers for disorders of pigmentation, laser resurfacing, and aesthetic treatments for men.
Dr. Neil Paulvin has certifications in Family Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulation, and Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. His practice in Manhattan combines traditional and alternative medicine to help patients live a healthy lifestyle and perform at their best. He specializes in Peptide Therapy, Sports Medicine, Mitochondrial Health, Bioidentical Hormone therapy, Longevity Medicine, the brain-gut connection, and more. As a leading expert in biohacking and human optimization, Dr. Paulvin is recognized for his exceptional work applying a hyper-personal approach to help his patients, including Fortune 500 executives, Olympic athletes, and A-list celebrities, optimize their health, perform better under pressure, recover faster, and move beyond the baseline.
Meet the Author
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News. She’s spent over six years researching, reporting on, and writing about the beauty and wellness industries for publications like Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. To compile the best cold plunge and ice bath tubs, she spent hours diving into the latest research, reviewed tester feedback, and spoke to experts in different fields. Sullivan wrote the original version of this article and contributed to the article’s January 2024 update.
