The GGR Expert Panel is a network of specialized health and fitness professionals who help ensure we present the most accurate information to our readers. This includes physicians, certified trainers, elite-level coaches, and more. Learn more about our experts.
The GGR Expert Panel is a network of specialized health and fitness professionals who help ensure we present the most accurate information to our readers. This includes physicians, certified trainers, elite-level coaches, and more. Learn more about our experts.
The GGR Expert Panel is a network of specialized health and fitness professionals who help ensure we present the most accurate information to our readers. This includes physicians, certified trainers, elite-level coaches, and more. Learn more about our experts.
We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.
If you’re looking to reap one of many potential ice bath benefits, but don’t want to spend top dollar for the best cold plunge tub, you’re in the right place. We’ve hand-selected the best inflatable cold plunge tubs and have personally tested each of them. You won’t see any stainless steel or acrylic tubs on this list, because we’ve narrowed it down to just inflatable options—all of which can be drained and packed up.
The best part of an inflatable cold plunge is that you’ll still get all the same cold exposure benefits, but in a lightweight and portable package. If you’re ready to take the plunge, read on.
People who enjoy ice baths multiple times a week will enjoy the ease of using this tub
Efficient Shoppers
This gives you both hot and cold options
Those on the Move
This portable tub can be inflated anywhere and controlled with an app
Pros
Indoor or outdoor use
Hot and cold options
Lightweight and portable
App-controlled
Cons
Expensive
Tub is lightweight but chiller is 88 lbs
Not the easiest to fully drain
Footprint
76.8″ L. X 27.6″ W X 25.2″ H
Temperature Range
33 F to 104 F
Water Capacity
95 gallons
Warranty
1-year
The Sun Home Cold Plunge was described by our expert product testers as “the most durable inflatable tub” they’ve seen. It can be used with hot or cold water and sets up easily.
What our tester says:
“We have had multiple people in and out of the tub, kept water in it for over two weeks, and have had no issues with the tub keepings it shape. When I compare the outer shell of this inflatable tub to others we have received, I’d place money on this one lasting the longest.”
The inflatable cold plunge tub from Sun Home Saunas is our top pick for the best inflatable cold tub. It’s lightweight, durable, and it’s made from a high-quality, military-grade drop-stitch material. That means the tub will hold its shape and you can lean back into the side walls while you’re submersed in cold water.
For this reason, the Sun Home Cold Plunge earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating for both construction and durability. “It doesn’t budge when you’re getting in and out of the tub either,” says Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, and GGR expert tester.
Lindsay also appreciates the roomy 76-inch-long tub and gave the Sun Home Cold Plunge a 5-star rating for ergonomics because she had plenty of room to stretch out. “The website says people up to 6 feet and 8 inches tall can fit in this tub, which I totally believe. This would be a great option for heavier people, too. And you may even be able to get two smaller people in there together,” says Lindsay.
You’ll have all the high-end amenities like WiFi connectivity for wireless temperature control, advanced filtration and circulation, and an energy efficient chiller. Plus, the Sun Home Cold Plunge can cool and heat water, which means this doubles as a mini hot tub. Your cold plunge experience just got a lot better.
For more details on Linday’s experience, check out our Sun Home Cold Plunge review. We’ve also tested the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro, which offers an ultra-luxe, spa-like experience for about double the price.
Tub, tub + chiller, tub + chiller/heater (heater is for freeze protection only)
Those on the Move
Carry the Plunge Air anywhere with the included backpack
Tech-Savvy People
If you get the chiller, you can control the Plunge Air via an app on your smartphone
Busy People
The tub inflates in just 15-20 minutes
Pros
Portable
Lightweight
Compatible with chiller
Great for small spaces
Cons
1-year warranty
May be small for larger individuals
Footprint
61” L x 32” W x 28” H
Temperature Range
Gets as cold as 39 F
Water Capacity
Around 100 gallons
Warranty
1 year
The Plunge Air is part of Plunge’s new Evolve series and it aims to make cold plunging more accessible. This plunge is inflatable and portable, and compatible with a chiller.
What our tester says:
“The seams are strong, it doesn’t require re-inflating a few times a week, and the hoses are also better quality. Our assembly and testing teams both think this is the most durable inflatable tub we have.”
You may be familiar with Plunge because it was one of the first companies to splash onto the cold plunge scene. Our Plunge review, featuring the OG acrylic tub, was one of the first cold plunges we tested and reviewed. The Plunge Air is ideal for outdoor use with its heavy-duty nylon and PVC fabric liner, insulated cover, and easy inflation process.
The Plunge Air is a full-size tub that can hold 105 gallons of water and can get down to 39 degrees Fahrenheit. But here’s the part we really appreciate about this cold tub: there are three buying options, all with different price points.
You can purchase Plunge Air without a chiller (which means you’ll use your own ice), with a chiller that only controls cold water, or a chiller that can create both hot and cold water temperatures. We tested the non-chiller option. The option for a WiFi-controlled chiller earns the plunge Air a 5 out of 5 for conveniences.
You’ll also get all the standard sanitation system equipment you get with The Plunge, which includes a 20 Micron Filter and ozone sanitation.
GGR Director of Content Nicole Davis says the Plunge Air is super durable. She was able to lean on the sides getting in and out, but did notice some slight warping on the edge in the middle of the tub. For this reason, she gives a 4 out of 5 stars to both the durability and the construction of the Plunge Air.
However, Nicole and our other experts note that even with slight warping, this tub doesn’t require periodical re-inflating like some of the other cold plunges we’ve tested. Our team also noticed during the initial assembly that the hoses, chiller, and other components were higher quality and more durable than other tubs.
Price
$1,190 (without chiller) $3,490 (with chiller) $3,890 (hot and cold water capabilities)
We rated the value a 4.5 out of 5 due to the tub’s versatility, hot and cold options, and durability
Comes With
Pump, cover
Options
Tub only, tub with standard chiller, tub with premium chiller
Budget Shoppers
This is an affordable option for cold plunging
Those on the Move
Great for those who want a lightweight tub that can be taken anywhere
Pros
Portable
Pump included
Two chiller options
30-day trial
Cons
Short 2-year warranty
Can lose its shape and bow after time
Footprint
53.1″ L x 23.6″ D x 31.5″ H
Temperature Range
37 – 104 F
Water Capacity
105 gallons
Warranty
2 years
The Nordik Recovery Ice Bath is an inflatable plunge tub that can be used with ice or a standard or premium chiller. Either way, it can be ready to use in under 10 minutes.
What our tester says:
“The tub started to bow a bit after the two-week mark. It still works fine, but to maintain the integrity of the PVC tub, I’d recommend draining the tub at least once a week.”
Whether you’re looking at inflatable ice baths or ceramic cold plunge tubs, these recovery products can get pricey. If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, look no further than the Nordik Recovery Ice Tub, which earns a 4.5 out of 5 for its value from GGR Everything Lead Reviewer Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, who says, “The premium bundle comes in at about $2,750, which is actually cheaper than most other cold plunge options with chillers.”
The ice tub comes in three options: with just the tub, or with a one-horsepower standard or premium chiller. The standard chiller cools to 37 degrees Fahrenheit, while the premium chiller also heats to 104 degrees. Plus, the premium chiller comes with a three-step filtration system, including a 20-micron filter, a mesh filter, and an ozone generator. “The premium chiller is the big sell here,” says Lindsay, although all three options are priced competitively.
Like other inflatable cold plunges, the Nordik Recovery Ice Tub is portable, so it can be drained and deflated and packed into a bag for easy storage while traveling, earning it a 5 out of 5 for its footprint and portability. Lindsay notes that assembly is fairly easy, taking about 20 minutes; plus, it comes with everything you need, including an air pump.
It’s not a perfect cold plunge tub, however, as the inflatable bath has issues that many other inflatable tubs suffer from. For one, after a few days of testing, the Nordik Recovery got an air leak, which required the team to patch and refill the air in the tub every couple of days. Additionally, the tub loses its shape and bows over extended periods of time.
“The tub started to bow a bit after the two-week mark,” explains Lindsay. “It still works fine, but to maintain the integrity of the PVC tub, I’d recommend draining the tub at least once a week.” It earns a 3 out of 5 for its durability and construction.
The tub claims to fit people up to 6 feet and 7 inches tall; however, Lindsay, who is about a foot shorter, found herself having trouble getting fully submerged. “Either my shoulders were popping out of the water, or my knees were,” she says. “It just feels small.” Keep that in mind if you are a taller person, but if the tub can suit your frame, then it’s a high-value tub with a powerful chiller.
We rated the value a 4 out of 5 since it comes with an insulated cover, a non-slip mat, and an advanced filtration system
Comes With
Tub, tub cover, storage bag, electric pump, skimmer net, anti-slip mat, Permafrost chiller, water purification system
Options
0.6 tub or 0.8 tub designed for temperate or hot climates
Weekly Plungers
Great for those who take the plunge once in a while and don’t mind using their own ice
Efficient Shoppers
This gives you both hot and cold options
Those on the Move
This portable tub can be inflated anywhere and controlled with an app
Pros
Indoor or outdoor use
Inflatable design
Hot and cold options
Durable materials
Cons
$400 flat rate for shipping
Chiller may be noisy
Footprint
52” L x 28” W x 24″ H
Temperature Range
37 F to 108 F
Water Capacity
60 gallons
Warranty
2 years
The Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge comes in two different size chillers—0.6 or 0.8 horsepower. If you’re in a more moderate climate, you won’t need the larger chiller. This inflatable cold tub is constructed of military-grade vinyl material and holds its shape well.
What our tester says:
“You can put your body weight on the edge when getting in and out, which is not always possible with inflatable tubs. It has held up to our wear and tear, holds its shape, and supports your weight.”
The Hydragun Supertub is one of our favorite cold plunges because it’s lightweight, easy to use, and has a chiller that can both heat and cool. At 21 pounds, this is one of the lightest inflatable cold plunge pools we’ve tested. It comes with a carrying case and can easily be drained, deflated, and rolled into its bag for on-the-go muscle recovery.
The chiller weight will have some heft to it at either 68 pounds (for the 0.6 horsepower motor) or 82 pounds for the (0.8 horsepower motor). However, with either choice your chiller will come equipped with transport wheels.
The brand offers two motor sizes to accommodate different uses and climates. If you use the Supertub indoors (or outdoors in a moderate climate) the smaller 0.6-horsepower chiller is all you need. However, the bigger motor may work better for more extreme climates or full-time outdoor use.
GGR expert tester Lindsay Scheele suggests the Hydragun Supertub for outdoor use based on her experience with the noise of the chiller. “While this may be a minor detail, the chiller runs louder than most other tubs I’ve tested. If you’re sensitive to sound, it could be annoying to hear running inside your garage,” says Lindsay.
Noise aside, Lindsay thinks the Hydragun Supertub is durable and appreciates that she could put her weight on the edge without it bowing or moving. She gave the tub a 4.5-star rating for durability. It’s made from military-grade marine vinyl and has a 60-gallon water capacity.
We rated the value a 4.5 out of 5, since it heats and cools, can be used outdoors or indoors, and doesn’t require much maintenance
Comes With
Tub, inflatable and insulated cover, drainage system, sanitizer kit, backpack, hand pump, simmer net
Options
Tub, certified refurbished chub, chiller only
Weekly Plungers
Great for those who take the plunge once in a while and don’t mind using their own ice
Efficient Shoppers
This gives you both hot and cold options
Those on the Move
This portable tub can be inflated anywhere and controlled with an app
Pros
Portable and packable
Hot and cold options
Easy to set up
Replace water every 3-6 months
Cons
Can be expensive
Tub inflates with a hand pump
Footprint
51” L x 28” W x 30” H
Temperature Range
37 F to 105 F
Water Capacity
60-70 gallons
Warranty
1 year
The Inergize Cold and Hot Plunge Tub allows you to regulate the water temperature with the touch of your phone. You can prepare the water for hot or cold therapy modalities depending on your needs. The inflatable tank is portable and comes with a duffle bag for packing up and bringing with you. The tank has a 60- to 70-gallon water capacity and you can choose your temperature between 37 to 105 degrees.
What our tester says:
“Several of us have tested this tub, and it has held up like a champion. I had to bend my knees in order to fit, but I felt as comfortable as one can during my experience.”
If you have a small backyard or garage, we think you’ll appreciate the Inergize Cold and Hot Plunge tub for small spaces. It’s certainly not as compact as a vertical plunge (like one we tested for The Ice Barrel 400 review) but it’s only 51 inches long and 28 inches wide. It’s also fairly tall at 30 inches, which means more of your body will be underwater.
CPT, CNC, and product expert Lindsay Scheele says her 5-foot, 4-inch frame was comfortable with her legs bent, but recognizes it may not be the best option for tall or heavy individuals. For ergonomics, she scored the Inergize tub 3.5 out of 5 stars.
One of Lindsay’s favorite features was the temperature control. “You can control the temperature on the chiller itself or connect to your WiFi network so you can control it remotely on the app,” says Lindsay.
This tub can chill water down to 37 degrees and heat it up to 105 degrees. This range offers a ton of versatility to your recovery routine. When going from cold to hot (or vice versa) you’ll need some patience as Lindsay noticed the temperature, on average, takes about an hour to change 8 to 10 degrees.
We have more details about our experience (plus notes on cleaning, draining, and maintenance) in our Inergize Cold Plunge Tub review.
We rated the value a 4 out of 5, since it’s an affordable and portable ice bath, albeit with a simple design
Comes With
Tub, cover, double-action pump, mat, backpack, and repair kit (chiller is optional)
Options
Tub, chiller, or tub with chiller
Weekly Plungers
Great for those who take the plunge once in a while and don’t mind using their own ice
Budget Shoppers
Whether you purchase just the tub or add on the chiller, this cold plunge is priced competitively and will be affordable to many shoppers
Those on the Move
This portable tub can be inflated anywhere
Pros
Lightweight and portable
Affordable
Optional chiller
Holds its shape well
Cons
No extra features or conveniences
Can’t drain tub entirely with drain port
Footprint
60” L x 30” W x 24” H
Temperature Range
As low as 37 F
Water Capacity
84.5 gal
Warranty
1-year limited warranty
For those looking for a lightweight, portable cold plunge tub that can be traveled with, the Tru Grit Inflatable Ice Bath is an excellent option. Weighing only 38 pounds, this tub can be deflated and rolled up into a simple backpack, allowing for easy travel. Although there aren’t too many extra features behind the tub, it’s affordable and portable, making it a great option for anyone on the move.
What our tester says:
“The tub held its shape wonderfully as I got in and out of the tub. We had multiple people use it as well, and there weren’t any deformities after so much use.”
If you’re looking for a portable ice bath, look no further. The Tru Grit Cold Tub is designed for maximum ease-of-use for transporting from one place to another. The kit comes with a carry bag, tub cover, air pump, and repair kit (for potential punctures).
It also comes with a Tru Grit Rubber Floor Mat (similar to some of the best home gym flooring) to help protect your floor and the integrity of the cold tub base.
It’s also priced under $1,000 for the tub without a chiller, which means you’ll need your own ice. With a chiller, it’s priced at $3,900. Without the chiller, it’s a much more portable tub, but keep in mind you won’t have temperature control or filtration. Foregoing filtration means you’ll need to drain and clean the tub every month.
Frequent draining and cleaning may sound like a hassle, but we appreciate there are designated fill and drain ports. The drain port just has one little problem: It sits a few inches from the bottom of the tub. This is actually pretty typical of cold plunges, which leaves plungers having to tip over their tubs or use a wet vacuum to drain the remaining water. For cleaning and draining, this earns a 3.5-star rating.
GGR Performance Editor, CPT, and CNC Anthony O’Reilly says he was comfortable in the 60-inch long tub and scored the ergonomics category 4 out of 5 stars. Anthony is 6 feet and 2 inches tall and about 220 pounds. He also thought the tub was durable and held its shape well, even when he pressed his body weight into the sides and put pressure on the edge from the top. We have more details on Anthony’s experience in our Tru Grit Cold Tub review.
We’ve tested over 20 cold plunge tubs over the past year and quite a few have been inflatable tubs. Not every one made our list, however. Here are a couple ice baths worth mentioning, and why they didn’t make our top picks here.
The Cold Pod: We’ve used this cold plunge tub and think it’s a worthy contender for anyone looking for an ultra-budget option sans chillers and filters. However, it’s not inflatable. This is designed more like a pop-up tent.
Redwood Outdoors Yukon Tub: This tub doesn’t hold its shape unless you drain the water out every 48 hours, meaning that the tub will buckle in the middle if you don’t fully drain it after a day or two. However, the main reason the Yukon didn’t make the list is because it was recently discontinued.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Cold Plunge Tub
You can rest assured that our experts at GGR make tons of considerations while assessing, scoring, and ultimately recommending any piece of home gym equipment or recovery product. Each product tester is tasked with using our in-depth testing methodology to score a variety of categories on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Here are some factors we used to score cold plunge tubs:
Footprint and volume: High scores were given to cold plunges which had the balance of compact footprints and high water capacity.
Delivery and setup: A brand earned higher scores if delivery was fast and reliable in addition to the inflatable set-up process being quick and easy.
Durability and construction: Low scores in this category meant that an inflatable cold plunge tub didn’t hold its shape, couldn’t support weight on the edges, or was constructed from flimsy materials.
Ergonomics: Our testers looked for spacious cold plunge tubs with enough room to sit comfortably without being constricted.
Additional conveniences: Low scores were reserved for inflatable tubs without additional conveniences like chillers, filtration, or temperature regulation apps.
Price and value: Testers used market value and all the additional features that come with most cold plunges (like chillers, pumps, and filtrations systems) to score the overall price and value of each cold plunge tub.
Benefits of Cold Plunging
If you’re considering adding a cold plunge tub to your recovery routine, you may already be familiar with some cold plunge benefits. Plus, an inflatable cold plunge is portable. Going to the beach for the weekend? You can pack it up and bring it with you.
Inflatable Tubs Are Budget-Friendly
An inflatable cold plunge tub is typically less expensive than traditional ceramic tubs or hard plastic baths. It also weighs less, which means you’ll spend less in shipping fees and it won’t require professional assembly.
Immune System Support
Persistent cold water exposure paired with therapeutic breathing techniques (like the Wim Hof method) may help to activate the sympathetic nervous system to help your body naturally fight infections and inflammation. A 2014 study published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America1 notes that these findings may suggest future treatment for folks with chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
Mental Health Benefits
Many internet influencers and celebrities boast about mental toughness and mental clarity after a cold plunge session. While it may sound a bit hokey, there is something to be said for it. Because cold water exposure can activate the sympathetic nervous system, one study found that regular cold plunges improve perception of mental health2. Participants used a cold plunge once a week for four weeks and reported reduced feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Potential to Reduce Inflammation
In a randomized control trial published by the European Journal of Applied Psychology3, researchers found that a group of well-trained cyclists perceived less leg soreness after cold water immersion therapy.
We also spoke to Dr. Michael Masi, doctor of physical therapy and strength coach, about cold plunges as related to muscle soreness and recovery. Dr. Masi says, “Inflammation is a natural response to activity that aids muscle growth. This natural process could be stunted with cold therapy.
“In reality, cold water immersion is more effective for athletes trying to recover quickly. For example, a pitcher trying to recover between games during a baseball double-header may have better results than the average person trying to build muscle with weight training a few times per week,” says Dr. Masi.
Buying Guide for the Best Inflatable Cold Plunge Tubs
After extensive research and hands-on experience with cold plunge tubs of all shapes and sizes, here are the main things we think you should consider before clicking add to cart:
Size and Capacity
Like any large piece of home gym equipment, measure your space before you buy. We even recommend using painters tape to block out the footprint and see how it will fit into your space.
Along those lines, you’ll also want to consider your height and the height and weight of the folks who plan to use your cold plunge tub. Some brands offer extra-long tubs for tall folks.
Filling, Draining, and Maintenance
OK folks, this may sound like a no-brainer but here it goes: Will your preferred location for your cold tub be easy to fill with water and drain? Sure, an inflatable cold plunge is portable, but not when it’s filled with water.
Let’s say you’re going to put it in the garage—filling may be easy with a garden hose, but what does draining look like? Will it be draining onto the concrete floors or near electrical outlets?
Plus, if your cold plunge tub does not come with a water chiller and filtration system, you may need to drain your inflatable tub frequently.
Customer Reviews
We think customer reviews are important to read (especially on third-party retailer sites like Amazon and Best Buy). While customer reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, common uses and themes that concern you may raise some flags during your comparison shopping.
Best Inflatable Cold Plunge: FAQs
Is cold plunge worth the money?
We totally understand that a cold plunge isn’t in everyone’s budget. But cold exposure doesn’t have to be expensive. You can try a DIY cold plunge or a cold shower—depending on where you live, the water temperature from your faucet or garden hose may be as cool as 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Added bags of ice can get a DIY ice bath tub even colder.
Who shouldn’t do cold plunges?
Cold plunges and ice baths spike both your heart rate and breathing. This may not sound like such a bad thing for healthy adults, but rapid heart rate changes may pose dangers for folks with chronic heart problems4, diabetes, and high blood pressure, or folks who take medications like beta blockers, which lower blood pressure.
What cold plunge tub does Joe Rogan have?
Joe Rogan uses a Blue Club cold plunge tub in his infamous podcast studio and training studio.
Can I turn my inflatable hot tub into a cold plunge?
With an expert pool contractor or HVAC professional, you may be able to convert the hot tub you already own into a cold plunge tub. We’re not plumbing experts, so we recommend calling a local professional to see if they can perform a conversion by plumbing in additional chilled water supply and return lines from the chiller to the hot tub. This type of conversion will depend on your current chiller’s capacity and flow rate.
Lauren is an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer working with clients of all ages and skill levels. She specializes in coaching the squat, bench, and deadlift and enjoys introducing beginners to barbell training. Before becoming certified, she worked in marketing roles after graduating from the University of Maine with a BA in Journalism. Writing for Garage Gym Reviews blends her two passions: writing and lifting. Lauren spends her leisure time in the kitchen, reading fiction, and taking nature walks. She's also an avid downhill skier, learning how to ski when she was just two years old. She lives in Maine with her husband and two cats.
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table of contents
Best Inflatable Cold Plunge Tubs
Best Inflatable Cold Plunge Overall: Sun Home Cold Plunge
Best Inflatable Cold Plunge for Outdoors: Plunge Air
Best Value Inflatable Cold Plunge: Nordik Recovery Ice Tub
Best Lightweight Inflatable Cold Plunge: Hydragun Supertub
Best Inflatable Cold Plunge for Small Spaces: Inergize Cold and Hot Plunge Tub
Best Portable Inflatable Cold Plunge: Tru Grit Cold Tub
Other Inflatable Cold Plunges We Researched
How We Picked and Tested the Best Cold Plunge Tub
Benefits of Cold Plunging
Buying Guide for the Best Inflatable Cold Plunge Tubs