Best Cold Plunges of

How We Selected the Top Cold Plunge Tubs

Cold plunging is exactly what it sounds like: You partially or fully submerge yourself in extremely cold water for short periods of time. It can be done in a lake or an ocean, a spa, a bath tub, or anywhere large enough to accommodate most of your body plus the water and  ice.

Immersing yourself in frigid water doesn’t just earn you bragging rights among your less adventurous friends—research shows that there are a number of potential brain and body benefits associated with the practice, including reduced muscle soreness, improvements in mood and focus, and metabolic activation. Preliminary studies also suggest that cold plunging may help improve sleep and immune function, providing some protection against illness. 

Dedicated cold plunge tubs make it possible to reap all the benefits of cold water immersion from the comfort of your own home. They make it easy to achieve and sustain your target temperature, and many come with timers so you can choose your duration. But not every tub is created equal. Keep reading to find out what you should be looking for (and looking out for) if you’re considering taking the plunge into cold plunging.

Important Considerations

Before you begin your search, there are a few questions to ask yourself to ensure you choose the best tub for your needs:

• How frequently do I intend to use it?
  Researchers are still determining the optimal frequency for cold plunging but plunging two or three days per week is recommended for general wellness . The frequency with which you intend to use your tub should dictate the amount you spend on it, and whether it should be a permanent fixture in your home or something more portable that you can store away when it’s not in use.
• Am I looking for an indoor or outdoor tub?
  If you’re planning on using your tub indoors, you’ll want to set it up somewhere that is load bearing and that has waterproof flooring. It should also have effective drainage. If you’re looking for an outdoor tub, focus on finding a model designed to withstand a range of temperatures and conditions. Weather-resistant shells and lockable covers are essential for outdoor units, as are weatherproof chillers that are able to handle ambient heat, humidity or rain.
• What is my budget?
  The price range for cold plunge tubs is expansive. You can buy a frills-free manual model that requires you to fill and dump the ice yourself for less than $100, or you can invest in a premium, automatic unit that comes with all the bells and whistles for as much as $20,000. Knowing what you’re willing to spend will help you narrow your search significantly.
• How much space do I have?
  Cold plunge tubs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Knowing the dimensions of your available space will help you determine if you should be looking for a traditional horizontal unit or an upright model with a smaller footprint. If you don’t have the space to accommodate a permanent setup, a portable or inflatable tub that packs down and stores easily may be your best bet.

Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll have a good sense of what to look for, and will be ready to plunge headfirst into your cold plunge tub shopping journey!

What We Looked For

Here’s a look at what we prioritized when compiling our list of the best cold plunge tubs on the market today:

Strong Cooling Performance and Temperature Control

Researchers are still determining the optimal temperature for cold plunging. Sources like the Cleveland Clinic recommend beginners start with water temps between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit, and indicate that more experienced individuals can go as low as 39 to 50 degrees. 

While it is certainly possible to achieve this temperature range by manually adding your own ice to a tub, there are a few disadvantages to this approach: It can be very labor-intensive, you’ll need to use a thermometer to ensure you’re in a safe temperature zone, and maintaining the target temperature for longer plunges can be difficult. Many of the best cold plunge tubs combat this issue by including an automatic chiller unit, a mechanical refrigeration system designed to take the guesswork out of cold plunging. It continuously removes heat from the water and circulates it back to the tub, seamlessly achieving and maintaining your target temperature. The best units are able to do this extremely quickly so you’re not waiting around to start your plunge.

Integrated Water Filtration and Sanitation

The top tubs include a mechanical filtration system that effectively removes hair, dirt, skin cells and other fine particles from the water. They also have an integrated high flow pump that keeps the water moving continuously, preventing the buildup of potentially harmful bacteria and biofilm. Many also feature integrated ozone and/or UV lighting sterilization systems, which help inactivate dangerous pathogens and contaminants. (Keep in mind that even if your tub has all of these systems in place, they are considered supplemental, and you’ll still need to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to ensure proper sanitation and performance).

High Quality Materials and Durable Construction

A cold plunge tub is an investment, and as with any investment, you want to be sure it will last many uses and many years. The top tubs are made with highly durable materials like acrylic, 304/316 stainless steel or high-density LLDPE plastic, which can handle cold temps and moisture. If they are outdoor tubs, they’ve been specifically designed to withstand a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions.

The chiller/cooling system is often the first component to require replacement in a cold plunge tub, so the top models have extra protections in place to preserve them. For example, many units include chillers that can detect inadequate water flow or overheating, and will stop cooling to prevent equipment damage. The top models also come with explicit care instructions to help you extend the life of the chiller and the unit as a whole.

Safety Safeguards

The best cold plunge tubs include safety features designed to protect you from hazards like electric shock, thermal distress, slips and falls, and more. Some of these safeguards include:

• Electrical Safety Features: The unit should plug into or include a Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet or breaker, which helps cut power if an electrical ground fault is detected. It should have acquired third-party electrical safety certifications, like ETL- or UL-listings, which confirm that it has met specific safety requirements and protocols. Units that come with emergency shutoff options that can be used in the event of a malfunction are ideal.
• Temperature Safety Features: The tub should include a temperature sensor with fault detection, and should provide a warning or automatically shut itself down if abnormal temperatures are detected.
• Physical Safety Features: The tub should have a fitted, lockable lid to eliminate drowning risk for children and animals, and to keep unsanitary debris out. If the unit includes steps or platforms, they should be covered in a non-slip surface to prevent injuries from falls. 

Quiet Operation

All-in-one cold plunge tubs will make a humming noise that some may find disruptive. This is typically do to the compressors, fans and vibrations on your floors and walls. While you can reduce some of the noise by placing a rubber anti-vibration mat under the unit, she noise is unavoidable. The top units operate at roughly the noise level of a standard refrigerator or a quiet conversation (55 to 65 decibels), or less. Some have optional low-noise or quiet operating modes. 

Reasonable Pricing

The right tub for you ultimately depends on your budget, preferences and priorities. Generally speaking, the best models are competitively priced and include high-impact features, like an integrated chiller and filtration system, without unnecessary upsells.

Comprehensive Warranties

Most tubs come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. It is common for a tub to have several separate warranties, one for the tub (shell and body), another for the chiller/refrigeration unit, and another for the pump, filter, display panel and lid. The best brands stand behind their products with generous warranties for each of these components, providing peace of mind that you are protected in the event of faulty parts. Some offer limited lifetime warranties on the tub shell and especially strong warranties on the chiller units, which tend to go first. Some premium brands even offer limited in-home labor reimbursements when repairs are required.

Strong Customer Service

The best cold plunge tub brands have highly reputable customer service teams. They maintain reasonable hours and are easy to access. They are knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and professional. They are available to walk you through setup and use, and happy to answer any questions you have about your unit, warranties or more.

Positive Customer Reviews

The top cold plunge tubs have amassed a large collection of positive reviews on third party review sites from real customers who’ve used the product and are satisfied with its performance, efficiency, ease of use, noise level and durability, among other important things. They’re also sold by brands that are rated highly by credible organizations like the Better Business Bureau.