Cold Plunges 2026

The two main types of cold plunges differ significantly in convenience and cost:

• With Chiller: An integrated or external chiller unit cools the water automatically to your desired temperature (typically 37–50°F). No ice needed, automatically maintains your set temperature, and often includes filtration. Higher upfront cost but lower ongoing effort.
• Ice Only: You manually add ice to cool the water before each session. More affordable upfront but requires regular ice purchases, preparation time, and water changes. Temperature is less consistent and depends on ice quantity and ambient conditions.

If you plan to use your cold plunge regularly (3+ times per week), a chiller model will save time and provide a more consistent experience.

The ideal cold plunge temperature depends on your experience level and goals:

• Beginners: 55–60°F — cool enough for benefits, comfortable for starting out
• Intermediate: 45–55°F — the sweet spot for most regular cold plunge users
• Advanced: 38–45°F — intense cold exposure for experienced practitioners

Most research on cold water immersion benefits uses temperatures between 38°F and 59°F. Start warmer and gradually decrease over weeks as your body adapts. Sessions of 2–5 minutes are typical for most users.

Cold plunge tubs come in several styles, each with distinct advantages:

• Barrel: Vertical cylindrical design, compact footprint, often made of wood or stainless steel. Great for small spaces but requires sitting upright.
• Freestanding Tub: Horizontal layout similar to a bathtub. Allows full-body immersion in a reclined position. Usually acrylic or fiberglass, premium look.
• Portable/Inflatable: Lightweight PVC construction, easy to set up and store. Most affordable option, ideal for travel or testing cold therapy before investing more.
• Drop-in: Designed to be built into a deck or patio. Permanent installation, seamless outdoor integration, highest-end option.

Noise level applies only to cold plunges with chiller units, and can be classified into four levels based on the chiller compressor:

• Very Quiet (1) — under 40 dB. Comparable to a quiet library. Premium compressors with sound insulation.
• Quiet (2) — 40–50 dB. Similar to a household refrigerator. Suitable for indoor use and shared spaces.
• Moderate (3) — 50–60 dB. Comparable to a window air conditioner. Acceptable for garages and outdoor areas.
• Loud (4) — over 60 dB. Noticeable compressor noise. Better suited for outdoor or garage placement.

Ice-only tubs produce no mechanical noise.

Cold plunges can be classified into four categories based on price, cooling system, and capacity:

• Entry-level — under $500, typically ice-only or basic chiller, smaller capacity. Great for beginners exploring cold therapy.
• Mid-range — $500–$2,000, may include basic chiller and filtration, moderate capacity. Good for regular home use.
• High-end — $2,000–$5,000, includes chiller with advanced filtration (ozone/UV), larger capacity. Ideal for dedicated cold therapy enthusiasts.
• Professional — $5,000+, powerful chiller, full ozone+UV filtration, premium materials, large capacity. Built for daily use in wellness centers or serious home setups.

Currently, the best cold plunge models by category are:

• Entry-level (under $500): Cold Plunge Tub by Plunge Chill
• Mid-range ($500–$2,000): Cold Plunge Tub with Chiller by Plunge Chill
• High-end ($2,000–$5,000): Ice Barrel 500 by Ice Barrel
• Professional ($5,000+): All-In by Plunge

These recommendations are based on our analysis of specifications, build quality, and value within each price range.

The C3 from BlueCube is currently the most expensive cold plunge, with a listed price of $28,000.00. Premium cold plunges at this price point typically feature powerful chillers, advanced ozone+UV filtration, premium materials like acrylic or stainless steel, and large capacity for full-body immersion.

The Cold Plunge Tub from Plunge Chill is currently the cheapest cold plunge, with a listed price of $89.00. Budget-friendly cold plunges are a great way to start cold water therapy without a large investment. While they may lack chiller systems and advanced filtration, they still provide effective cold exposure when used with ice.

The cold plunges with the largest water capacity are: the Cold Plunge Pro Apex by Sun Home with 180 gallons, Viking XL by Nordic Wave with 160 gallons, and the Cold Plunge Pro by Sun Home with 150 gallons.

A larger capacity allows for more comfortable full-body immersion and better accommodates taller users. However, keep in mind that larger tubs require more water, take longer to cool down, and consume more energy to maintain temperature.

Cold water immersion is not suitable for everyone. Consult a doctor before starting if you have:

• Cardiovascular conditions: heart disease, arrhythmia, uncontrolled hypertension, or history of heart attack/stroke
• Raynaud's disease: extreme sensitivity to cold in extremities
• Cold urticaria: allergic reaction to cold temperatures
• Open wounds or infections: risk of infection in shared or untreated water
• Pregnancy: cold shock can affect blood flow and fetal development
• Epilepsy: cold shock may trigger seizures in susceptible individuals

Always enter gradually, limit sessions to 2–5 minutes when starting, and never cold plunge alone. Source: PMC/NIH