The Best Cold Plunges for Bone-Chilling Recovery

You don’t need to be the next Wim Hof or that guy with a surprisingly involved morning routine to know that the best cold plunges are all the rage in the wellness-sphere these days—but what qualifies as a “cold plunge,” and are cold plunges actually good for you? At its simplest, cold plunging is the act of submerging yourself in frigid water. By that definition, many things qualify—an icy shower, your backyard pool with a broken heater, the ocean in the fall—but as long as the water is below about 60 degrees Fahrenheit, it counts.

As for the benefits of cold plunging, the science is murky, but it sort of acts in a similar way to an ice pack, except now covering your entire body. The cold water reduces inflammation and can help alleviate post-workout soreness. Additionally, the act of getting in such cold water generates a massive post-plunge dopamine spike. That spike can lead to improved mood, focus, and alertness. Now, you could seek those benefits through one of the low-tech methods I mentioned above, or pay upwards of $100 for a day pass to the local spa. However, if you want consistent access to high-quality cold water immersion from the comfort of your home, look no further than our picks for the best cold plunges below.

The Best Cold Plunges, According to GQ

Best Cold Plunge Overall: Hydragun Supertub

The Hydragun Supertub strikes a balance between the various strengths of the other cold plunges on this list. The tub itself is inflatable for ease of storage and transport. However, it still maintains a high level of durability compared to other inflatable options. (It’s made with SGS-tested military grade marine vinyl.) The Supertub also comes with the Permafrost Chiller, which can quickly get the water down to 37 degrees while keeping it clean with active filtration. The price isn’t bad either. For a high quality tub with electric chiller and water purification system, the base model clocks in at just under $3,000. An investment for sure, but a far cry from some of the second-mortgage-requiring options on the market.

Best Budget Cold Plunge: The Cold Pod

Getting in the cold plunge ought not be impeded by avoidable barriers to entry like price or size. The Cold Pod provides portable plunging, for an affordable price, and without taking up too much space. For just $110, you get a multilayered inflatable tub with an 88-gallon capacity. It comes with an insulated cover and an easy-to-use drain (the brand recommends changing the water every four weeks). This is not the most durable cold plunge available, and it doesn’t have an electronic chiller or smartphone compatibility. However, for less than the price of a nice dinner out, the Cold Pod provides solid at-home plunging capability.

Best Luxury Cold Plunge: Plunge

If you want one of the nicest cold plunges that money can buy, then Plunge is for you. Its Original Cold Plunge Tub is crafted from a sleek white acrylic with clean lines and plenty of insulation. It looks like it belongs in a home designed by Le Corbusier, and can fit folks up to 6’8″ tall. Two tiers of chiller rapidly cool and clean the Plunge’s water. It can also be upgraded with an optional heating unit. The Plunge App can be paired with the tub to pre-chill the water so it is ready whenever you are. Overall, this is the industry standard for a high-quality, tech-enabled cold plunge and is definitely worth your consideration.

Best Portable Cold Plunge: The Pod Company Ice Pod

Travel often? Trying to bring your plunge on the road? The Ice Pod is a great portable cold plunge solution. The inflatable tank can fit someone up to 6’7″ yet easily folds up when not in use. It has five layers of insulation and an included lid to keep it cold. The optional standard chiller weighs 39 pounds and can cool the Ice Pod down to 41 degrees Fahrenheit. While I wouldn’t recommend bringing this thing on a commercial airline flight (not quite carry-on size), it could definitely pack down to be thrown in the car with relative ease. The inflatable shell can be prone to punctures, though, so keep that in mind.

Best Low Tech Cold Plunge: Ice Barrel 400

The Ice Barrel 400 is a straightforward, high-quality yet low-tech cold plunge solution. It uses an upright configuration and is made from a very durable recycled plastic. The base model kit comes with the barrel, a cover, a stand for increased stability, and a small two-step stool for easy entry. It has a great minimalist design, etched to resemble the oak barrels of yore. However, this barrel holds no whiskey, just ice-cold water ready to boost dopamine and drain the soreness from your muscles. Optional add-ons include an electric chiller and maintenance kit. The base model Ice Barrel 400 is the perfect solution for someone wanting an easy at-home cold plunge that is durable, looks good, and doesn’t take up too much space.

Best DIY Cold Plunge: Tarter 100 Gallon Galvanized Steel Stock Tank

Plunging need not be fancy—in fact, it really only requires icy cold water contained either by a natural body or perhaps with this Tarter 100 Gallon Steel Stock Tank. All you need is this tank, a hose to fill it, and a few bags of ice to bring the temp down. No fancy insulating covers or electric chillers in sight. A major mental benefit of cold plunging is the fact that it sucks, and requires you to overcome adversity by engaging in it. Making the gear too fancy feels like it detracts from that ethos. Just keep it simple, and take the plunge.