Cold plunges have become one of the most popular recovery tools in recent years thanks to potential benefits1 that include reduced inflammation and stress, a stronger immune system, improved mental health, and better sleep. These recovery tubs are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and price points, too, and while they all can provide a way to immerse yourself in frigid waters, there are plenty of differences between the individual profiles.
Our team continually tests as many plunges as we can get our hands on, assessing their durability, ergonomics, chiller systems, and more. If you’re interested in a cold plunge, you’ve come to the right place.
In this Plunge Air review, we’ll be taking a closer look at this inflatable tub that’s among the top picks in our guide to the best cold plunge tubs. I’ll share our testing experiences, including all of the pros and cons, to help you decide if this is the right cold plunge for your recovery needs.
Tested by Recovery Experts
When it comes to testing and reviewing products, every single review we publish is based on extensive hands-on experience. Our testers include certified personal trainers, nutritionists, strength coaches, CrossFit enthusiasts, and even an Olympian, so we have plenty of experience when it comes to equipment geared toward training and recovery.
Our testers for this Plunge include Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, and Pete Nastasi, CNC, CPT, who have both spent plenty of time with a variety of recovery tools (cold plunges included).
To calculate our overall rating, Nicole used our cold plunge testing methodology for guidance, which rates plunges using a 1 to 5 scale in a variety of categories, including:
- Durability and Construction: We assess the durability and longevity of a given cold plunge, which is especially important when testing inflatable tubs like the Plunge Air.
- Footprint and Portability: Many cold plunges are quite large and bulky, so we make sure to carefully measure the overall footprint of a tub, as well as how difficult it is to move around. Bonus points are awarded to compact, inflatable tubs that can be taken with you during travel.
- Ergonomics: Cold plunging isn’t inherently comfortable, but the right tub can help when it comes to finding a cozy seating position. We want to know if there’s room to stretch out, how cramped a tub may feel, and whether athletes of all dimensions can find a suitable seat in the near-freezing conditions.
- Conveniences: This area of focus looks at the plunge’s ease of use, particularly when it comes to potential tech features. While some plunges only use water and a few bags of ice, others have high-tech chillers, app-controlled temperature settings, built-in light fixtures, filtration systems, and more.
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.”
A Quick Look at the Plunge Air
The Plunge Air (formerly known as the Plunge Evolve Air) is an inflatable tub from Plunge, a company that specializes in recovery-minded equipment like cold plunges, saunas, chillers, and accessories.
It’s the most affordable option in the Plunge lineup due to its inflatable design and compact dimensions. Unlike solid cold plunges constructed from steel or acrylic, the Plunge Air can be deflated and stored, if needed, making it a great choice for users who are tight on space or frequently on the road.
Given the amount of water required to fill this, we don’t foresee most users needing to regularly drain and store the tub. Still, compared to traditional plunges, it’s much more portable, and we aren’t complaining about the cost, especially compared to some of the more high-end options.
It’s also available with or without a chiller, so if you’d prefer to save a significant chunk of money and simply use your own ice, you can do so without much challenge. We prefer the conveniences offered through the chiller, but it’s nice that Plunge allows you to purchase the tub by itself. If price is still a deal-breaker, you can save some cash by using our Plunge coupon code.
Overall, we’re very impressed with the Plunge Air, especially given its more approachable price (compared to other options) and inflatable design. There are more expensive options you could consider, like the high-end Plunge All-In, but we think this can be an excellent choice for most home gym owners and recovery enthusiasts.
RELATED: Plunge All-In Review
Before You Buy
- This inflatable tub is available with or without a chiller, though without a chiller, you’ll want regular access to plenty of ice.
- The tub bows a little when it’s full of water, but it’s still the most durable inflatable cold plunge we’ve tested.
- It features a compact footprint of 13.56 square feet, which can be ideal for smaller spaces but may feel cramped for taller or larger athletes.
Is the Plunge Air Worth It?
This cold plunge isn’t cheap, but it’s one of our favorites. Here’s who we think would benefit from investing in the Plunge Air.
Great for:
- People looking for an inflatable plunge
- Individuals wanting the convenience of app-controlled temperature management
- Health and wellness enthusiasts looking to optimize their recovery
Not recommended for:
- Taller and/or larger individuals in need of a more spacious cold plunge
- Those who prefer the better durability and insulating properties of a solid cold plunge tub
- Anyone shopping on a budget
Plunge Air Specs
| Price | $1,190 (tub only) $3,990 (standard chiller) $5,490 (pro chiller) |
| Tub footprint | 61” L x 32” W x 28” H |
| Chiller footprint | 23” L x 14” W x 18” H (standard chiller) 28” L x 15.875” W x 17.375” H (pro chiller) |
| Tub weight | 28 lbs without water, 903.7 lbs when full |
| Chiller weight | 76 lbs (standard chiller), Pro weight not disclosed |
| Lowest temperature | 37º F |
| Water capacity | 105 gallons |
| Power requirements | Dedicated 15A circuit |
| Extras | Chiller has smartphone connectivity, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network connection |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Experience Using the Plunge Air
To properly test the Plunge Air before writing this review, several of our team members had the opportunity to use it. Pete Nastasi, CPT, CNC, had the Plunge Air shipped to his house to thoroughly test while writing his Plunge Evolve Series review, while GGR’s Director of Content, Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, had the opportunity to test this plunge at our central testing facility.
Pete found that he was able to quickly set up his inflatable tub, and while he didn’t time it, Plunge claims that it only takes 15 minutes to set it up. Overall, he was impressed with the experience, especially for an inflatable tub.
Nicole was also satisfied with her plunging experience, particularly regarding the chiller unit. She notes that the Wi-Fi-connected chiller allows for easy troubleshooting if there are any issues. Plus, it’s powerful, helping the water reach lower temps fairly quickly.
We get it—soaking in near-freezing temperatures isn’t everyone’s idea of a relaxing afternoon, but as far as ice baths go, we found the Plunge Air to be a convenient, powerful option for making the experience worthwhile. Now we’ll take a closer look at the individual categories we use to score and rate this tub.
RELATED: Cold Plunge Benefits
Footprint and Portability
With dimensions measuring 61 inches long by 32 inches wide by 28 inches tall, this tub is more compact than many non-inflatable tubs on the market. We give it 5 out of 5 stars for its footprint and portability, especially since it can be deflated for easier transportation and storage. As long as you can inflate it somewhere near a garden hose, you’ll have no issues using this tub nearly anywhere.
Our tester, Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, notes, however, that it may be too small for some users, saying, “This tub is wide but short, so you won’t be reclining a ton if you’re tall.”
Durability and Construction
For durability and construction, the Plunge Air earns a 3.75 out of 5. It can be difficult to find an inflatable tub as durable as a solid profile, but this is definitely one of the more resilient options we’ve tested, nonetheless. It’s made from warp-knit drop stitch material, which enhances the durability and integrity over other common textiles.
“It bows a little bit in the middle when filled with water, whereas other inflatable options aren’t doing that,” says Nicole. “However, in talking to our assembly team, they agree that this is the most durable of the inflatable tubs we have. The seams are strong, it doesn’t require re-inflating a few times a week, and the hoses are also of better quality.”
RELATED: Cold Plunge Maintenance
The Plunge Air is also insulated and UV-resistant, helping it maintain low water temperatures even if it’s used outside on a hot summer day. It also includes an inflatable lid that can help keep the plunge cool and free from debris.
Ergonomics
The Plunge Air earns 3 out of 5 stars for ergonomics. While a cold plunge is never truly comfortable thanks to the frigid waters, certain tubs can feature more appealing silhouettes, allowing users to comfortably lie down (or sit vertically).
With a compact footprint, the Plunge Air sacrifices a bit on interior dimensions. While it’s not as compact as something like an Ice Barrel and still provides a great cold plunge experience, it’s a little small.
It should fit most users, but you won’t be able to comfortably stretch your legs and recline, especially if you’re a taller user. The angled back allows you to lean back slightly, but you won’t have too much leg room. We think most users should have no problem fitting in the plunge, as long as you don’t mind folding your legs, but it’s not the longest tub we’ve tested.
Conveniences
For conveniences and technology, we give the Plunge Air 5 out of 5 stars. The tub itself is pretty basic, but you can choose to purchase either the pro or standard chiller, which allows you to control the plunge with your phone via the Plunge app. There’s no built-in cell phone holder, but you can purchase a phone or tablet mount directly from Plunge or third-party retailers like Amazon.
Both the pro and standard chillers have built-in filtration systems to keep your water clean, too. The standard version has a 20-micron filter, while the pro chiller uses ozone sanitation. You can also purchase an optional heater that turns your plunge into a hot tub, with temperatures reaching up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can always skip the chiller to save money and use your own ice, but this can begin to get costly after just a few trips to the store for bags of ice. If you can afford it, we often recommend a chiller unit for more convenience and less upkeep.
RELATED: Cold Plunge vs Ice Bath
Finally, we love that Plunge Air comes with both an insulated cover and ground cover, which helps maintain lower temperatures and keep debris out of your plunge if you’re buying it for outdoor use.
Plunge Air vs Sun Home Cold Plunge
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.”
If you’re shopping for an inflatable cold plunge, the Sun Home Cold Plunge can be another good option worth consider, especially for those who want something with more room to stretch out.
Similar to the Plunge Air, the Sun Home profile is a horizontally oriented inflatable tub that’s durable and compatible with a separate chiller unit. However, it’s significantly larger measuring 74.8 inches long by 27.6 inches wide. Its horizontal design can provide a more spacious experience for taller individuals, and Sun Home claims that it can fit users up to 6 feet, 8 inches tall.
While you can’t go wrong with either plunge, we think the Plunge Air is best for most home users due to its affordable pricing and smaller footprint. That said, taller individuals who want more room to spread out and submerge their limbs may prefer the Sun Home Cold Plunge instead.
For more, be sure to read our full Sun Home Cold Plunge review.
| Plunge Air | Sun Home Cold Plunge | |
| Price | $1,190 (tub only) $3,990 (standard chiller) $5,490 (pro chiller) | $5,399 |
| Tub footprint | 61” L x 32” W x 28” H | 74.8” L x 27.6” W x 25.2” H |
| Chiller footprint | 23” L x 14” W x 18” H (standard chiller) 28” L x 15 7/8” W x 17 3/8” H (pro chiller) | 21” L x 16” W x 22” H |
| Tub weight | 28 lbs without water, 903.7 lbs when full | 15.5 lbs |
| Chiller weight | 76 lbs (standard chiller), Pro weight not disclosed | 88 lbs |
| Lowest temperature | 37º F (with chiller) | 37.5º F |
| Water capacity | 105 gallons | 95 gallons |
| Power requirements | Dedicated 15A circuit | 110 volt, 11A |
| Extras | Chiller has smartphone connectivity, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network connection | Tub cover, carrying case, hand pump, repair kit, spare filter |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | Limited 1-year warranty |
Customer Service
We give Plunge 5 out of 5 stars for customer service. The 100% US-based customer support is easy to reach via phone, email, or contact form, and if you’re not sure which Plunge to order, you can set up a call with the sales team to discuss the various options.
You can also finance your order with Bread Pay, and Plunge offers free shipping.
One notable callout is the warranty, which earns a 3 out of 5. Plunge offers a one-year limited warranty, which is average, but not great. An additional three-year protection plan can be purchased for $222 at the time of writing, but it would be nice to see this included with every purchase.
Delivery and Setup
For delivery and setup, the Plunge Air earns 4 out of 5 stars. Pete Nastasi says he was able to get this set up at his home fairly quickly, and we’ve found that inflatable tubs are often much easier to install than traditional cold plunges.
We didn’t time the assembly outright, but Plunge claims it’s a quick 15-minute home setup process, which seems accurate based on our experience with other inflatable tubs. The actual inflation and filling process may take longer, but it shouldn’t take too long to get started.
Customer Reviews
At the time of writing, the Plunge Air has an average review score of 4.8 out of 5 based on 43 customer responses. Most customers are happy with their purchase, noting the ease of assembly and great customer support as positives.
Final Verdict of Our Plunge Air Review
Overall, the Plunge Air is one of the best options on the market if you’re looking for a high-quality inflatable cold plunge. It’s light, easy to transport and store if needed, and we appreciate that you can purchase the tub without a chiller if you want to save some extra money.
While it has a high price tag, it’s one of the most durable inflatable tubs we’ve tested and we feel it’s worth the extra cash for those looking to regularly enjoy the health benefits of using a cold plunge. As long as you don’t need the most spacious interior dimensions for your scheduled soaks, this can be a great choice for any home gym owner.
- This inflatable tub is available without a chiller, though we recommend adding the standard or pro chiller for added convenience and easier temperature control.
- While it’s very durable for an inflatable tub, taller users may feel a little cramped due to the compact size.
- The setup process is easy, making this an excellent choice for those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of setting up a heavy, solid tub.
Plunge Air
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.
Product Brand: Plunge
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 3,900.00
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.3
Plunge Air Review: FAQs
How long should you cold plunge?
Immersing yourself in near-freezing water can shock your body, and we recommend starting very slowly, especially if you’re new to plunging. Many users cold plunge for 5-10 minutes2, sometimes up to 20, but you should start slowly if you’re a beginner.
Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, says, “Starting with less time and building up is likely best for most, to help avoid problems like hypothermia. Make sure somebody else is home just in case issues arise, and after the bath, let your body warm up gradually to avoid too much stress.”
How big is the Plunge Air?
The Plunge Air has dimensions of 61 inches long by 32 inches wide by 28 inches tall and weighs 28 pounds when it’s empty. When filled with water, the Plunge Air can weigh up to 903.7 pounds.
Is a cold plunge worth it?
If you enjoy cold water immersion and want to plunge on a regular basis, a cold plunge may be well worth the money, although they can be quite expensive. If you’re working with a tight budget, you may also want to consider some of these DIY cold plunge ideas.
What are the benefits of cold plunging?
Cold water therapy has been associated with a number of health benefits1, including reduced inflammation and stress, a stronger immune system, improved mental health, and better sleep.
References
- Cain, T., Brinsley, J., Bennett, H., Nelson, M., Maher, C., & Singh, B. (2025). Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PloS one, 20(1), e0317615. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0317615
- Lateef F. (2010). Post exercise ice water immersion: Is it a form of active recovery?. Journal of emergencies, trauma, and shock, 3(3), 302. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2700.66570
