You took one ice bath at the gym. Just one ice bath after a workout, to see what the hype was all about, and now your social feed is flooded with cold plunge tubs. Inflatable tubs, acrylic tubs, budget tubs, luxury tubs. As you scroll, you feel like they are starting to look the same.
Or, maybe you’re already sold on the idea. You know cold water immersion can boost recovery, reduce inflammation, and give you a mental edge. You’re just not sure which cold tub to buy or how to tell what’s actually worth the price.
Because let’s be real: This isn’t a quick TikTok shop purchase. A cold plunge tub is an investment in your health and wellness, and it should fit your lifestyle, space, and goals.
So how do the best at-home cold plunge tubs compare? From inflatable tubs to premium designs, we’ve broken them down by price tier so you can get a better sense of what’s out there and what matters most.
Entry-level cold tubs
Inflatable cold tubs with portable chillers offer a budget-friendly way to start an ice bath routine. They’re typically under $3,000, and they give you a no-frills setup for convenient access to cold water.
Chilly GOAT GO! with Chiller
Price: Under $3,000
Compact and easy to set up
Durable inflatable shell with zip-top cover
Portable chiller cools water without needing ice
Perfect for patios, garages, or tight spaces
You won’t get a solid acrylic shell or built-in features, but you’ll get a better experience than constantly buying bags of ice. Bonus, you can easily move it wherever you go.
Compare it to: Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge
Price: Varies by model, generally under $1,999
Requires manual filling with ice
Wood barrel-style with plastic liner
Made of unstained Canadian Thermowood
No chiller included
Shipping is not included in the price
Compare it to: Ice Barrel 500
Price: $1,699
Upright design with built-in steps and seat
Made from recycled materials
94-gallon capacity
Insulated
External chiller not included ($3,499.99 on Ice Barrel website)
Mid-range cold tubs (around $5,000)
At this tier, you’ll start to see more durable interiors and included — all of which make daily plunging more enjoyable.
Chilly GOAT Matterhorn with Chiller
Price: $4,990
Durable all-weather rotomold tub
Built-in seat and armrests
95-gallon water capacity
Smart 1-horsepower chiller with temperature range of 40 to 104 degrees
Ozone sanitation and integrated filtration
Built to be a daily-use tub that looks and performs like a premium model, the Matterhorn is ideal if you want a sleek tub but don’t need all the bells and whistles.
Compare it to: Plunge Pod (base package)
Price: Around $5,990
Upright design, which might be harder to get in and out of for some users
87-gallon water capacity
Less insulation
Simpler finish
Cold only
1/2 horsepower chiller
No built-in sanitation
Compare it to: Viking Next Gen Cold Plunge
Price: Around $6,499
Molded tub design
3/4 horsepower chiller
Digital display and filtration
Vertical design, which can be challenging for some users
Premium cold tubs (under $10,000)
In this range, you’re looking at high-end features, refined design, and tubs that are meant to live in your space — not just serve a function.
Chilly GOAT Alpine
Price: $8,995
Full acrylic shell with sleek lines and LED lighting
Insulated cabinet designed for all-season use
Dual stainless steel jets for circulation and to disrupt the thermal barrier
Built-in filtration and UV sanitation
High-performance, 2.1-horsepower chiller with digital control
The Alpine is made for people who take recovery seriously and want their tub to look as good as it performs.
Compare it to: Plunge All-In
Price: From $9,990
Acrylic interior, all-white finish
Basic filtration and limited insulation
Cools to 37 degrees
1-horsepower chiller
105-gallon water capacity
Compare it to: Renu Aurelius Laydown Cold Tank
Price: $10,499
Bold aesthetic
Horizontal design with composite wood details
No jets
1/2 horsepower chiller
Ultraviolet ozone purification system
Limited cabinet insulation
Luxury cold tubs ($10,000+)
If you want the most advanced build, best components, and a design-forward look, these are the tubs to consider.
Chilly GOAT Valaris Hot + Cold Tub
Price: $14,495
Cold plunge with an attached hot tub
Fully insulated acrylic design
Commercial-grade performance
Oversized tub, stainless steel jets, LED lighting
Smart 2.1-horsepower chiller with whisper-quiet operation
Dual flow jets for circulation and massage jets for hydrotherapy
UV and ozone filtration
Built for outdoor wellness areas, high-traffic gyms, and contrast therapy studios
Compare it to: Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro
Price: $13,799
1-horsepower chiller
Sleek horizontal design
Basic LED lighting
Built-in ozone injection and UV
Stainless steel frame
Heavier and less insulated
Compare it to: Morozko Forge PRO
Price: From $22,900
Open ice-style experience
Premium materials but limited features
Very cold temps (down to 32 degrees) but no heating capacity
The Valaris is built to last, perform, and elevate the cold plunge experience. And at just under $15,000, it’s still far more affordable than some luxury competitors without sacrificing design or function.
What makes a good cold plunge tub?
When you compare cold plunge tubs, price matters — but so does what you’re actually getting for that price. Here are a few things that can dramatically affect cost and daily use:
Materials and construction
A tub built with a solid acrylic shell, composite cabinet, and stainless steel jets will not only look better; it will also last longer, resist damage, and hold up to daily use in any weather.
Insulation
If you’re plunging year-round, insulation is crucial. Some tubs rely on the chiller alone. However, if the ambient temperature drops below 40 degrees, a poorly insulated tub won’t hold its temp. If you are shopping for a mid-range or premium cold tub, look for a model designed for winter use with an insulated cabinet.
Filtration and maintenance
Tubs with built-in filtration, UV sanitation, and easy-drain systems are easier to keep clean, especially if you share your tub or use it frequently. A cleaner tub means better water quality and less time spent on upkeep.
Chiller quality
Not all chillers are created equal. A smaller, less powerful unit can struggle to cool the water quickly, especially when the weather is hot or if multiple people are using the tub. In colder climates, some chillers may not be able to maintain your desired water temperature if the air drops below 40 degrees. A high-quality chiller should be energy efficient, quiet, and capable of holding your set temperature throughout the year.
Is a cold plunge tub worth it?
If you’re considering how much to spend, think about the alternatives. A premium gym membership with cold plunge access can cost $150 a month or more. Some studios charge $30 per session. That adds up fast.
When you own a tub, you control your recovery routine. And whether you're spending $3,000 or $15,000, a well-built cold plunge tub can offer years of consistent performance, right in your own space.
How much does a cold plunge tub cost? What to expect (and what you're really paying for)
Cold water and mental health: What happens in your brain during a plunge