Buying guide
Cold Therapy Starter Kit
Updated How we research
Everything you need for your first home ice bath. The page is split into four sections (Choose Your Plunge Tub; Budget Ice Bath Options; Keep the Water Cold; Track Your Temperature), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 15 picks. Our scores range from 6.8 to 8.7 out of 10.
- Best overall:Cold Plunge Chiller 1HP, Upgraded Filtration System 4-Layer Purification, Ice Bath Chiller & Heater, WiFi Control, Ozone System. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.7/10.
- Also great value:The Cold Pod Ice Bath Tub for Athletes with Cover: 88 Gallons Cold Plunge Tub for Recovery, Multiple Layered Portable Ice Bath Plunge Pool. Value score of 9/10, overall 7.8/10.
- Solid build:The Pod Company Ice Pod Pro Cold Plunge Tub, 110 Gallon (420L) Inflatable Ice Bath for Adults, Fits Up to 6'7", Insulated, Chiller Compatible, BPA-Free, UV-Resistant Nylon, Dual Drain Hoses. Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 8.4/10.
- Feature-rich:CryoTimer™ Ice Bath Thermometer with Dual Timer - IP67 Waterproof Floating Cold Plunge Thermometer with Count-Up & Countdown Modes, Temperature Alerts, Buzzer and Backlight for Athlete Recovery. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.4/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Choose Your Plunge Tub
- The Pod Company Ice Pod Pro Cold Plunge Tub, 110 Gallon (420L) Inflatable Ice Bath for Adults, Fits Up to 6'7", Insulated, Chiller Compatible, BPA-Free, UV-Resistant Nylon, Dual Drain HosesOur score8.4/10
- VEVOR Cold Plunge Tub, 216 Gallon, Inflatable Ice Bath Tub Compatible with Water Chillers, Portable Cold Water Bathtub with Insulated Lid, for Athletes Recovery, 59.1" x 31.5" x 29.9" (No Chiller)Our score8.2/10
- The Cold Pod Ice Bath Tub for Athletes with Cover: 88 Gallons Cold Plunge Tub for Recovery, Multiple Layered Portable Ice Bath Plunge PoolOur score7.8/10
- Plunge Lab Cold Plunge Tub XL, Portable Ice Bath Tub for Athletes, Indoor Outdoor Recovery, 90 Gallon CapacityOur score7.6/10
Budget Ice Bath Options
- The Pod Company Ice Pod Pro Cold Plunge Tub, 110 Gallon (420L) Inflatable Ice Bath for Adults, Fits Up to 6'7", Insulated, Chiller Compatible, BPA-Free, UV-Resistant Nylon, Dual Drain HosesOur score8.4/10
- Versatyle XXL Portable Bathtub for Adults, Over 300-Gallon Collapsible Soaking Tub and Cold Plunge Pool, Insulated Walls, Steel Frame, Cover, Pump and Carry Bag, Fits Up to 4 PeopleOur score7.3/10
- Ice Bath Tub for Athletes Recovery - Cold Plunge Tub, Multi-Layer Insulated Ice Bath for Cold Therapy, Portable & Durable for Home, Gym, Indoor & Outdoor Use (Cold Plunge Tub- All Black 90 * 75)Our score7.0/10
- PLKO Ice Bath Tub for Athletes, Cold Plunge Tub 120 Gallons,Protable Freestanding Bathtub for Cold Water Therapy Training,Spa Bath,versatile indoor outdoor useOur score7.0/10
Keep the Water Cold
- Cold Plunge Chiller 1HP, Upgraded Filtration System 4-Layer Purification, Ice Bath Chiller & Heater, WiFi Control, Ozone SystemOur score8.7/10
- AS ColdPlunge Ice Bath Water Chiller, 1/3 HP Upgraded Cold Plunge Chiller with External Filter Water Pump, 110V Cooling ChillerOur score7.8/10
- Cold Plunge Water Chiller for Ice Bath Tubs, 1/3HP 600w Chiller with External Filter Pump, Insulated Hose, Remote ControlOur score7.8/10
- HPMCVE Ice Bath Water Chiller for Cold Plunge Tub, 300W Cooling Machine with External Filtration & Submersible Pump, Smart RemoteOur score7.0/10
Track Your Temperature
- CryoTimer™ Ice Bath Thermometer with Dual Timer - IP67 Waterproof Floating Cold Plunge Thermometer with Count-Up & Countdown Modes, Temperature Alerts, Buzzer and Backlight for Athlete RecoveryOur score8.4/10
- 2 Pack Bath Thermometer for Bathtub, Rechargeable Waterproof Floating Water Thermometer for Ice Bath, PoolOur score7.8/10
- Silicone Cover Ice Bath Thermometer with Timer, Waterproof Floating Water Thermometer for Cold Plunge, Works with Ice Bath Tub Hot Tub Accurate Recovery(Gray)Our score7.6/10
- Pool Thermometer Floating Easy Read, Leisurely Polar Bear Water Thermometer for Ice Bath with String, for Outdoor & Indoor Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs & AquariumsOur score6.8/10
All 15 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1A 1HP chiller and heater with 4-Layer purification, ozone system and WiFi control for serious cold plunge setups.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 10/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 1HP cooling handles bigger tubs and warm climates better than 1/3 HP units
- + Heater function lets the same tub double for warm soaks
- + 4-Layer filtration and ozone system help keep water clean for longer
- - WiFi app setup adds a step and depends on a good home signal
- - Bigger unit draws more power and makes more noise than small chillers
#2The Pod Company's Ice Pod Pro is a 110 gallon upright tub with double-layer insulation, a reinforced thermal lid, UV-resistant fabric and a PVC liner. It fits users up to 6'7" and works with the brand's water chiller.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Double-layer insulation and a reinforced thermal lid are built to hold cold temperatures longer
- + 110 gallon capacity is listed as fitting users up to 6'7" within a compact footprint
- + Compatible with The Pod Company's water chiller, or simply filled with ice and water
- - Chiller compatibility is stated for the brand's own unit, so check fittings before pairing another chiller
- - Upright pod shape means a seated plunge, with less room than oval tubs to stretch out
#3CryoTimer is a floating cold plunge thermometer with count-up and countdown timers, temperature alerts, a buzzer and a backlight. It costs more than basic floating units and suits plungers who want alerts and a stated accuracy.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Listed accuracy of plus or minus 0.4°F, with an extended sensor that reads below the surface and the ice layer
- + Dual timer modes: countdown for a preset session, or count-up to track elapsed time from zero
- + IP67 waterproof floating body with a backlit display and audible alerts for the timer and a temperature threshold
- - Priced well above the simple floating thermometers in this guide, so the extras need to matter to you
- - Runs on two AAA batteries instead of a rechargeable cell, and the listing highlights do not say if they are included
#4VEVOR's 216 gallon inflatable oval tub measures 59.1 x 31.5 x 29.9 inches, uses 3.1 inch drop stitch walls and has standard G1/2 inch ports for a water chiller. Includes an insulated lid, pump, carry bag and repair kit.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Standard G1/2 inch ports and adapters connect to most chillers, or can be sealed for use with ice
- + 3.1 inch thick drop stitch walls stay upright and firm when inflated
- + Oval 216 gallon shape is listed as fitting adults up to 6 ft 9 in, and the tub weighs 29.8 lbs empty
- - No chiller is included, so holding a set temperature means buying one separately or adding ice
- - A 216 gallon fill weighs well over 1,500 lbs, so it needs a fixed spot on a floor that can take the load
#5The Cold Pod is an 88 gallon upright portable tub with a PVC inner layer, pearl foam middle and nylon outer layer, plus a lid and a bottom drain. A low-cost entry point for cold plunges at home, indoors or out.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Three-layer wall: PVC inner, pearl foam middle and nylon outer, described as waterproof and tear-resistant
- + Comes with a lid, and a bottom drain empties the tub without tipping it
- + Lightweight and compact enough to move and store, with an upright seated position
- - 88 gallons is on the small side, and the upright design means sitting, not stretching out
- - The listing highlights mention no chiller ports, so plan on cooling it with ice
#6AS ColdPlunge's upgraded 1/3 HP 110V chiller with external filter water pump, built to cool home ice bath tubs.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 1/3 HP cooling suits typical home plunge tubs without ice runs
- + External filter pump helps keep the water cleaner between changes
- + 110V plug works with standard US household outlets
- - 1/3 HP units chill large tubs slowly on hot summer days
- - Hoses and fittings must match your tub's ports before it will work
#7A 1/3HP 600w cold plunge chiller with external filter pump, insulated hose and remote control for ice bath tubs.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Insulated hose reduces cooling loss between the chiller and tub
- + Remote control lets you adjust settings without leaning over the unit
- + 600w power rating is listed, which helps with planning outlet use
- - Check parts and service availability before buying if you want long-term support
- - Needs ventilation space around it, which adds to its footprint
#8A 2 Pack of rechargeable waterproof floating thermometers for bathtubs, ice baths and pools.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 2 Pack lets you keep one in the plunge and one in a hot tub or bath
- + Rechargeable design avoids buying coin cell batteries
- + Floating format gives a quick surface reading with no setup
- - Charging port must be sealed properly or water can get in
- - No timer mentioned, so you still need a way to time sessions
#9Plunge Lab's XL portable cold plunge tub with a 90 Gallon capacity, for athletes setting up indoor or outdoor ice baths.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + 90 Gallon capacity gives taller users room to sit with shoulders under
- + Portable design moves between patio, garage and gym as needed
- + Named brand focused on plunge gear rather than a generic reseller
- - No chiller included, so you rely on ice or a separate cooling unit
- - Filling and draining 90 Gallon of water takes time and a nearby hose
#10Floating digital ice bath thermometer from Suoimk with a built-in timer of up to 20 minutes, a Celsius and Fahrenheit switch and a silicone outer cover. A simple one-piece tool for timing plunges and reading the water.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Thermometer and timer in one floating unit, with a timer that tracks sessions of up to 20 minutes
- + Silicone outer layer is listed as adding grip in wet hands and extra drop resistance
- + Rated IPX6 waterproof and fully buoyant, with a digital display described as readable indoors and outdoors
- - The timer tops out at 20 minutes, which is fine for plunges but limits it as a general purpose timer
- - The listing highlights do not give an accuracy tolerance or the battery type
#11Versatyle XXL portable bathtub with over 300 gallons, steel frame, insulated walls, cover and pump. Large enough for several adults, usable for soaking or cold plunging.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Over 300 gallons and about 58 inches across, with room for up to four adults per the listing.
- + Twelve reinforced steel support rods and multilayer PVC walls help it hold its shape and temperature.
- + Includes a fitted cover, inflation pump and carry bag, and folds for storage.
- - Needs a lot of water and floor space, and a flat surface that can support the filled weight.
- - A multi-use soaking tub, so it is less purpose-built for cold plunging than dedicated ice bath tubs.
#12Dessfeo oval ice bath tub with 129 gallon capacity and 6-layer insulation. A budget portable plunge tub with room to stretch out.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + Oval 129-gallon shape gives room for the legs, as opposed to a cramped round barrel.
- + 6-layer insulated, tear-resistant build, and a quick drain system for cleaning.
- + Portable for balcony, courtyard or bathroom use, at a low price.
- - Little brand detail and no chiller ports listed, so it is an ice-and-water setup.
- - The feature bullets leave out a cover, pump and carry bag, so check what is included.
#13PLKO ice bath tub, 120 gallons, 33.5 by 27.5 inches, with a free cover and 6-layer insulation. A budget freestanding plunge tub.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Cover included to keep debris out when the tub is idle.
- + 6-layer build with polyester, nylon and PVC outside and a pearl cotton inner layer.
- + Eight-point support, and it fits users up to 6 feet 7 inches tall per the listing.
- - Sit-up shape, so there is less room to stretch out than with an oval tub.
- - The listing gives no chiller ports and few details on the pump or setup extras.
#14HPMCVE's 300W ice bath chiller with external filtration, submersible pump and smart remote for cold plunge tubs.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + 300W draw is modest, which suits smaller tubs and lower power bills
- + Submersible pump and external filter both come in the box
- + Smart remote makes it easy to change target temperature
- - Lower wattage means slower cooling, especially for large tubs
- - New brand with little track record on long-term reliability
#15PRASBURR floating digital thermometer with a string, shown in Fahrenheit and Celsius. Marketed for ice baths as well as pools and spas, at a very low price.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Floats on the surface and has a string, so it is easy to find and pull out of a cold plunge tub.
- + The display shows both Fahrenheit and Celsius, so you can read the water in whichever unit you prefer.
- + The listing describes it as waterproof and shatter-resistant, with a compact, lightweight body.
- - A basic reading thermometer: the listing mentions no built-in timer or session tracking.
- - The feature list gives no stated accuracy figure or temperature range, so check the full listing before relying on it.
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Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.
Recovery Studio Hub curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.