The Best Cold Plunge Tubs To Boost Recovery, Energy And Wellness

Forbes

23-07-2025

People have been jumping into bodies of cold water to boost energy, speed up recovery and generally feel more alive for centuries. More recently, cold plunging in tubs has become a preferred activity among athletes and anyone looking to reset their mind and body. Whether you're after the physical or mental benefits of cold water immersion, the best cold plunge tubs make it easy to recover, recharge and and feel better right at home—no freezing lakes or rivers required. I spoke with a trainer to learn more about the benefits of cold plunge tubs before assessing different models and naming the Sun Home Cold Plunge Tub the best of the bunch; it expertly balances price, power and features.
Relax (if you can) in one of the best cold plunge tubs. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
In order to find the best cold plunge tubs, I looked at the features that matter most when shopping for one of these chilly setups: temperature control, maintenance, build quality, portability and how cold they actually get. I also considered noise levels, filtration systems and extra features, like timers or app connectivity. Whether you're looking for a premium, permanent tub or something a bit more portable, the following options meet different needs and budgets. Our Top Recommendations Best Cold Plunge Tub Overall: Sun Home Cold Plunge Tub
Best Value Cold Plunge Tub: Susbie Icedoo Recovery Pod
Best Premium Cold Plunge Tub: Plunge All-In
Best Vertical Cold Plunge Tub: Nordic Wave Viking Cold Plunge Tub
Best Portable Cold Plunge Tub: Cryospring Portable Ice Bath
Dimensions: 76.8 x 27.6 x 25.2 inches | Weight: 15.5 pounds | Volume: 95 gallons | Material: PVC, drop-stitch fabric
The Sun Home Cold Plunge Tub offers nearly all the benefits of a more premium, permanent tub without as high of a price tag—and without the installation hassle. It cools quickly thanks to a 1HP chiller (our tester found that it cooled water down from hose temp to sub-50 degrees in three hours), and it's easy to toggle the temperature up and down. It's also surprisingly spacious given that it's horizontal, though Sun Home also offers this tub in a vertical model if you don't have the space for a full-length setup. Between the power, filtration and energy-saving insulation, it's a great option for right around $5,000.
Of course, this isn't a permanent tub, so it doesn't provide that set-it-and-forget-it experience; you might need to set it up and take it down every now and then. Plus, our tester wasn't sure how to store the chiller unit—it's not supposed to be exposed to heavy rain or snow, but it also doesn't come with a protective cover, and at this product's price, we think it should be weatherproof. Ultimately, these are minor drawbacks if you're looking for a professional-grade tub that's quick to cool and easy to use.
Dimensions: 46 x 23 x 23 inches | Weight: 9 pounds | Volume: 129 gallons | Material: Fabric, aluminum
What I like about the Susbie Icedoo Recovery Pod is how much bang you get for such little buck. At just $130 (or less when it's on sale, which it often is), this tub is a bit bigger than most other small or awkwardly vertical cold plunge tubs of a similar price, so you can stretch out a bit more and actually breathe, as opposed to sitting in a cold ball. It's also lightweight, easy to set up and surprisingly sturdy thanks to aluminum supports that are rated to hold up to 799 pounds. The design is technically insulated for cold and hot therapy, which means you can use it year-round, and a simple drain empties it in minutes.
Given that this is a very affordable model, however, you may need to manage your expectations. Some reviews mention smaller parts can wear out or break over time, but customer service seems to be responsive if anything goes wrong. The photos also make it look like a plastic tub when it's actually a flexible fabric paired with aluminum supports, which sacrifices some durability. Still, it's hard to beat this model's size, portability and price if you want to experience cold therapy without a major financial commitment.
Dimensions: 76.75 x 31.5 x 28.75 inches | Weight: 238 pounds | Volume: 105 gallons | Material: Acrylic, fiberglass
We often think of the word 'premium' and assume it's tied to something inherently pricey, but premium also means thoughtfully designed and made to elevate an experience, as it does in the case of the Plunge All-In. While this tub might cost more than other cold plunge tubs, you're paying for a complete, elevated self-care setup that's premium in just about every way. If you see cold plunging as more than a form of recovery and something closer to a daily practice, the All-In delivers a degree of comfort and features that most other tubs simply can't match.
Unlike most cold plunge tubs that feel like a piece of gym equipment, the All-In is designed to look good and perform. Sporting a clean fiberglass shell and integrated components, it's durable and easy to use. Thoughtful details like a phone holder for guided sessions, underwater lighting and a silent fan mode make the experience that much more enjoyable. Of course, a setup like this is going to cost quite a bit more, but if you're serious about cold plunging and want to make it a regular part of your routine, the Plunge All-In is worth every penny.
Dimensions: 36 x 30 x 44 inches | Weight: 60 pounds | Volume: 95 gallons | Material: HDPE Plastic
If you're looking for a more premium cold plunge experience but don't have the space for a full-length tub, the Nordic Wave Viking Cold Plunge Tub is a great compromise. Featuring a more compact 95-gallon design, it's perfect for tight spaces and small homes, but it doesn't come at the cost of performance. The 0.8HP chiller utilizes multi-stage sanitation and ozone filtration, so you can skip the ice entirely and enjoy clean, cold water. The foam-insulated sides help seal in the cold, and the sloped floor makes it easier to drain the tub when you're done. Smart features include a digital display, Wi-Fi app integration and a quiet motor.
Of course, this is still an expensive tub in spite of its upright design, plus it's clunky and heavy—the lid alone weights 16 pounds—so you might want to have a second set of hands around for the installation. And given that it's a vertical tub, you need to step up to get in and back down to get out, which can pose a challenge for anyone with mobility issues. If these minor drawbacks aren't true deal-breakers, you'll have access to a superb tub that takes up a bit less space than a standard horizontal design.
Dimensions: 58 x 32 x 27 inches | Weight: 21.5 pounds | Volume: 135 gallons | Material: PVC, drop-stitch fabric
If you're looking for one of the best portable cold plunge tubs that doesn't feel cheap or impermanent, the Cryospring Portable Ice Bath offers a reliable on-the-go experience. With a spacious 135-gallon capacity, it's built for full-body immersion, and the drop-stitch construction boosts durability while the cushioned base improves comfort. Underneath the PVC outer, a 10-centimeter air gap insulates your body and the locking lid keeps temperatures colder for longer, making it perfect for year-round use in spite of the fact that it's designed to store away.
What really sets this tub apart is its portability, and that's in spite of everything it comes with: A protective tub cover, travel backpack, pump/vacuum, skimmer net, hose adapter, repair kit and synching strap to keep everything secure make it far more portable than any other setup, and it still weighs under 30 pounds. Plus, unlike most premium tubs that cost thousands, it comes in at less than $900, which makes it a great option whether you're traveling, setting up a home gym or just looking for some flexibility without sacrificing quality.
The dedicated staff at Forbes Vetted spend hundreds of hours researching and writing health and wellness guides each year. From protein powders to supportive footwear to recovery tools , we cover every stage of the fitness journey to ensure you're informed every step of the way. Author of this guide and Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta has over six years of experience reviewing training and wellness equipment. With a degree in kinesiology, he understands the importance of proper recovery, whether you're managing post-race soreness or a major injury. He's also covered compression boots and massage guns.
has over six years of experience reviewing training and wellness equipment. With a degree in kinesiology, he understands the importance of proper recovery, whether you're managing post-race soreness or a major injury. He's also covered compression boots and massage guns. This story was edited by Emmy Favilla , Forbes Vetted's managing editor, a media veteran with two decades of experience. She has covered e-commerce for the last eight years—including consumer products in the health and wellness, home and kitchen, and sleep and mattress spaces.
, Forbes Vetted's managing editor, a media veteran with two decades of experience. She has covered e-commerce for the last eight years—including consumer products in the health and wellness, home and kitchen, and sleep and mattress spaces. Cold plunge tubs have been around for a while, but in recent years, they've become a more popular recovery option. And yet, just because they're popular doesn't mean they're inherently safe. That's why we spoke with Jesse Ramos Jr. , CPT and owner of BBT Fitness NYC, to learn more about the benefits of cold plunge therapy, how it works and what to consider before jumping in.
, CPT and owner of BBT Fitness NYC, to learn more about the benefits of cold plunge therapy, how it works and what to consider before jumping in. By combining our research with insights from a personal trainer, we created this comprehensive guide to cold plunge tubs. Our goal is to recommend options that aren't just effective but also safe, easy to use and suited to different needs.
To find the best cold plunge tubs, we dove into the chilly details, focusing on what makes a tub effective, safe and worth the money. Here's what guided our picks: People take the (cold) plunge for different reasons. From muscle recovery to mental clarity to managing injury, we looked for tubs that support different goals. The options in this guide are suited for athletes, beginners, those seeking a more affordable model and people who live in small spaces.
We looked for tubs made from durable materials that can hold up to daily use, and we considered setup, maintenance and temperature control options. From high-end tubs with app-controlled cooling systems to less expensive, no-frills options, any tub you buy should be built to last and easy to use.
Long-term exposure to cold water isn't easy, nor is it for everyone, so we looked for brands that can help you understand how to use a tub safely. We also looked for solid insulation, efficient motors and water filtration, all of which make the experience a bit more well-rounded.
Finally, we spoke with certified personal trainer Jesse Ramos Jr. to understand who benefits from cold plunging, how to do it safely and what to look for in an ideal setup. His insights helped us find recommendations based on price, effectiveness and real-world benefits.
Buying a cold plunge tub isn't just about picking the most expensive setup. Ultimately, you need to find something that fits in your space and actually meets your needs. Keep these variables in mind as you weigh your options. Size And Shape
A cold plunge tub should fit in your space and be comfortable to use once you're fully submerged in it. Large tubs offer more flexibility, but they also take up additional space and are usually harder to move. 'When choosing a plunge, think beyond just price,' says Ramos Jr. 'Look at how durable the materials are, how well it holds the cold, how easy it is to clean and drain and whether the size actually fits your space.' Consider not only how big the tub is, but how much space you need to get in and out, especially if you're leaning toward a vertical tub with a higher edge. Portability
If you're working with a smaller space or want a tub you can pack in the car (or store when it's not in use), a portable one is the way to go. Lightweight, inflatable tubs are a solid option for beginners or those who don't want to commit to a permanent setup. They're also great for trying out cold plunging before you level up to a bigger investment. The Cryospring Portable Ice Bath, for instance, is made from the same material as a standup paddle board, so it's lightweight yet durable. Temperature Control
One of the biggest factors that dictates how consistent you are with cold water therapy is your ability to maintain the tub's temperature. While some budget-friendly tubs rely on ice, premium models like The Plunge feature built-in cooling systems. 'Easy setup, reliable cold control and simple drainage' are the features Ramos Jr. says he prioritizes for consistent use. If it's difficult to get a tub cold or keep it cold, you probably won't want to use it. Filtration
Clean water is key, especially if want to use your tub every day. Models with built-in filtration systems are easier to maintain, and they keep the water clean over time. Most lower-end tubs don't have built-in filtration, but it's a useful upgrade if you don't want to add 'clean the cold plunge tub' to your weekend chore list. Weather Resistance
Make sure a tub is ready to withstand the elements if you intend to store it outside. 'Indoor tubs are more convenient year-round, but outdoor plunges give you that extra mental edge,' says Ramos Jr. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your setup and how you want to use your tub, though outdoor models should be durable enough to handle regular exposure to the sun and harsh weather.