Best Cold Plunge for Longevity: Comparing Tub, Barrel, & Portable Ice Baths
The best cold plunge and ice barrel options are:
- The Plunge
- The Cold Stoic 2.0
- Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro
- Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub
- Ice Barrel 300
- The Viking
- Inergize Hot + Cold Plunge Tub
- The Ice Pod
- W&F Extra Large & Durable Portable Ice Bath Tub
Interest in cold plunging has risen dramatically since 2021, according to data from Google Trends. With a range of benefits more people are starting to add cold therapy to their health routine. Fortunately, there are many cold plunge options available, including tubs, barrels, and portable ice baths. But which should you choose?
It's important to note that there are a variety of names used for cold plunges. Ice bath, ice barrel, cold tub, and various combinations of these words can be used to refer to cold therapy. For clarity, anytime the word "ice" is used, this typically means the product needs (or creates) ice to chill the water. Meanwhile, cold plunges typically use an electrically powered chiller.
Cold plunge tubs tend to be rectangular in shape and enable you to lay down. Barrels typically force you to take a seated or squatting upright position. Meanwhile, portable plunges come in a variety of shapes and sizes, enabling the user to easily transport their cold plunge.
In truth, there are many great cold water immersion products out there, it just depends on your personal preference and budget. In the following article, we compare the 10 best cold therapy tubs, barrels, and portable designs currently available.
Disclosure: Spannr has not been compensated to publish this content or feature any of the below companies. However, if you purchase a product from any of the below companies, Spannr may receive a small referral fee which helps us continue to produce great content.
Best cold plunge tub options
1. The Plunge
Price: $4,990
Size: 67” x 31.5” x 24”
If you’re looking for a premium chilled tub that enables comfort and convenience, The Plunge may be for you. The Plunge cools, filters, and sanitizes the water to provide you with frigid, clean water whenever you plug it in. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, with the ability to chill water down to 39F, The Plunge is truly one of the best products on the market.
Pros:
- FREE home delivery to US lower 48
- Financing available
- Many upgrades available, including heater and larger tub
Cons:
- Some describe it as noisy
- A few quality issues reported
- Lack of on/off switch (must be unplugged after use)
2. The Cold Stoic 2.0
Price: $9,699
Size: 70”x 33”x 35”
The Cold Stoic 2.0 by Renu Therapy pairs advanced filtration and ozone purification with an integrated chiller that can get your water temperature down to 36F. With its large size and simple maintenance, the Cold Stoic 2.0 is a great option for larger people who don’t want the hassle of refilling their ice bath daily. Capable of indoor and outdoor use, those who choose this product for their cold therapy needs can enjoy their chill time in the atmosphere that suits them best.
Pros:
- Customizable colors and wood decor types
- FREE home delivery in continuous US
- Quiet and energy efficient
Cons:
- High price tag
- Extensive lead time of 6 to 10 weeks
- Large and hard to maneuver (you’re required to install yourself)
3. Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro
Price: $8,199
Size: 34” x 78” x 33”
Named the best cold plunge system in the world by the New York Post, the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro is a self-cleaning ice plunge tub actually capable of generating ice. The system gets down to a freezing 32F and its thick, stainless steel build enables it to maintain the freezing water temperature throughout the duration of your plunge. Built with a military-grade exterior, you can also be rest assured that this ice bath will survive the elements no matter where you decide to place it.
Pros:
- Built-in forged wheels allow for mobility
- Capable of freezing temperatures
- FREE shipping included
Cons:
- High price tag
- Heavy (tub weighs 345 lbs and chiller weighs 80 lbs)
- No customizations
Best ice barrel options
4. Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub
Price: $1,999
Size: 37” diameter and 40.5” tall
The Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub by Redwood Outdoors is a rounded ice plunge suitable for those looking to administer their cold therapy from a seated position. The company calls this product a "tub" even though the design and actual appearance are nearly identical to a barrel (which is why we have listed this product in our "barrel" section). Although this tub comes as just a basic wooden barrel and stepping stool, there are many upgrades available. These include a chilling system, deluxe chiller and heater system, and a wooden tub cover. Therefore, you can choose between manually filling the tub with water and ice, or utilizing an electric chiller.
Pros:
- Upgrades allow for customization of experience
- Ability to utilize for either cold or heat therapy
- Sleek wooden design
Cons:
- Upgrades can increase cost substantially
- Extensive lead time of 10 to 12 weeks
- Rounded design inhibits laying down
5. Ice Barrel 300
Price: $1,199.99
Size: 35.5” diameter and 30.5” tall
The Ice Barrel 300 is a fully insulated barrel made from recycled materials. This ice barrel comes with an insulated and UV resistant lid, a UV and water resistant barrel cover, and the hardware compatible for a chiller if you elect to incorporate one. Although it doesn’t come with a filtration system, maintenance is relatively easy, as it’s recommended to change the water on only a monthly basis.
Pros:
- Shorter height means stepping stool is typically not required
- Ability to choose between manually adding ice or chiller system
- Compact and lightweight (just 61 lbs when empty)
Cons:
- Larger people may not fit comfortably
- Design not too aesthetically pleasing
- Longer lead time of 5 to 6 weeks
6. The Viking
Price: $5,999
Size: 36" x 30" x 41"
The Viking by Nordic Wave is a 95 gallon vertical barrel designed for users to experience their cold therapy in a natural squatting position. This position enables easier breathing and deeper immersion. The Viking comes complete with a chiller that cools the water down to 38F and a filtration system so you don’t need to replace the water very often. If you do need to empty your tub, the Viking’s slanted floor allows for easy drainage.
Pros:
- FREE US shipping to lower 48
- Chiller and filtration system included
- Compact vertically design that is lightweight (just 60 lbs)
Cons:
- Vertical design limits movement
- Longer lead time of approximately 6 weeks
- No seat inside the tub for resting
Best portable cold plunge options
7. Inergize Cold + Hot Plunge Tub
Price: $4,790
Size: 51” x 28” x 30”
The Inergize Cold + Hot Plunge tub combines easy maintenance with extreme portability. The unit is capable of cooling water down to 37F. This is accomplished through a high quality chiller and filtration system that keeps your water chilled and clean 24/7. This inflatable tub is easily set up in just 15 minutes with a hand pump, so you can have a premium experience from wherever your heart desires (as long as there is a 120V/60 HZ power supply on 15A circuit). Perhaps the coolest feature is that the chiller system connects to wifi, enabling you to set the temperature of the tub from your phone.
Pros:
- Water replacement just every 3 to 6 months
- Lightweight tub (just 25 lbs) and requires only 15 minutes to set up
- Ability to control water temperature from mobile app
Cons:
- Inflatable design means it's not as durable as other premium priced tubs
- Requires manual weekly sanitization and monthly filter change
- No weather protection for chiller system
8. The Ice Pod
Price: $119
Size: 32” diameter and 29” tall
The Ice Pod by The Pod Company is a portable inflatable ice bath with a very affordable price tag, making it especially suitable for beginners. The standard set comes with the cold plunge tub, a lid, a nano repair patch in case of tears, a hand pump, and a drainage hose. For those who don’t want to manually fill the tub with ice at the beginning of each session, there is a chiller system add-on that can be purchased for $999 that is capable of cooling the water down to 41F.
Pros:
- Suitable for larger people (height up to 6’5” and 320 lbs)
- Lightweight design (just 7 lbs)
- FREE shipping to mainland US in just 2 to 6 business days
Cons:
- 100 day return policy only applies to tubs in unused condition
- Water chiller not included with standard tub
- Requires more frequent water changes of every 3 to 5 sessions
9. W&F Extra Large & Durable Portable Ice Bath Tub for Athletes
Price: $69.99
Size: 37.5” diameter and 29.5” tall
The Extra Large & Durable Portable Ice Bath Tub for Athlete by WEY&FLY has a 3.7 rating according to over 1,900 global reviews on Amazon. Although this certainly isn’t the highest quality tub on the market, it’s affordable price tag and high portability make it a suitable option for many.
Pros:
- Affordable price tag
- 4 insulated layers keep water cool during therapy sessions
- Very portable
Cons:
- Not as sturdy as other models
- Not built to last longer than a few years, according to Amazon reviews
- Draining the water can be a hassle
Health benefits of cold plunge
Here at Spannr, we've written extensively about the benefits of cold therapy, as well as cryotherapy. There are numerous benefits that cold exposure offers to both your physical and mental health, which include:
- Reduced Muscle Soreness: Cold water immersion may help alleviate muscle soreness and decrease inflammation. Athletes often use cold therapy to recover faster after intense workouts.
- Improved Circulation: Exposure to chilled water can stimulate blood flow, potentially improving circulation. This happens by constricting and dilating blood vessels, which can be beneficial for overall cardiovascular health.
- Enhanced Recovery: Full body frigid water immersion is believed to help in the recovery process by reducing swelling and promoting the repair of damaged tissues.
- Mental Alertness and Mood Enhancement: Cold water exposure may trigger the release of endorphins, leading to improved mood and increased alertness. It can also serve as a stress reliever.
- Boosted Immune System: Some studies suggest that regular cold exposure may enhance the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells.
- Calorie Burning: Cold exposure may stimulate the activation of brown fat, which burns calories to generate heat. This could potentially aid in weight management.
- Improved Skin Health: Ice water immersion may contribute to healthier skin by promoting better blood circulation and reducing inflammation.
- Enhanced Athletic Performance: Athletes often use cold therapy to enhance their performance by accelerating recovery between training sessions or competitions.
When is cold therapy best?
The best time to use an ice bath is in the morning. This is because cooler temperatures force your body to heat up, causing you to feel more awake, according to Andrew Huberman. For those looking to relieve body inflammation after exercise, entering a cold plunge following exercise can be a good idea to alleviate symptoms. However, those that are doing exercise for the purpose of hypertrophy are advised to hold off on cold exposure for at least a few hours. That's because cold therapy has been shown to blunt hypertrophy gains.
What is the best temperature for cold plunge?
The best temperature is generally suggested at between 50F to 59F. Therefore, most people can realize the extensive benefits of cold therapy for longevity without having to jump into water that is at near freezing temperatures.
How long should I stay immersed?
For optimal results, target 11 minutes per week, divided into two to four sessions. This is a good starting point until it becomes easy. Once you no longer feel stressed in an ice tub, consider gradually lowering the temperature, extending the duration, or increasing the frequency of exposure sessions.
Dr. Andrew Huberman notes that, eventually, there's a limit to how low the temperature can go or how long you can stay in the water before it becomes too challenging. Since building mental resilience is a key goal, Huberman suggests shifting focus from time to a "Counting Walls" approach.
In this method, instead of emphasizing the time spent in water, concentrate on overcoming discomfort. Huberman explains the concept of "Counting Walls": each moment of discomfort in the cold is considered a wall. Staying in the water means overcoming these walls, and the goal is to set a target for the number of walls you aim to surpass during a session (e.g., three walls, including the initial entry into frigid water and two subsequent moments).
Ice bath safety considerations
While experimenting with varying temperatures can be an effective stimulus, it comes with risks if not done correctly. Like any new protocol, it's crucial to consult a board certified physician before initiating deliberate cold exposure.
Take your time and don't hesitate to progress gradually, whether in duration or temperature. There's no need for a "weak" version, as cooler doesn't necessarily mean better. The goal is to find the minimum stimulus that provides the maximum benefits from the protocol.
Consistency is key, as with any health or longevity habit. It's more important to be consistent than to push yourself extremely in one session. Approach any longevity practice cautiously to avoid harm, and aim to establish a sustainable and regular habit for the long term.
Conclusion
Cold plunging has been shown to provide the human body with extensive benefits and many people are starting to incorporate an icy dip into their health schedule. Whether you opt for a tub, barrel, or portable design, the key is to find an option that aligns with your preferences and lifestyle. Once you do, you can implement a regular cold therapy routine that improves your daily life and overall longevity.
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