Best Ice Baths for Recovery in 2023

Nov 04, 2023

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It's time to channel your inner Wim Hof and try cold water therapy.

ICE BATHS have garnered a lot of attention in the past year thanks to TikTok—and also to this viral video where Joe Rogan became another internet meme. It's worth mentioning a lot of these popular ice bath videos are often connected to Wim Hof, a popular Dutch speaker who's garnered international recognition for his Wim Hof Method, a series of daily meditation practices that includes periods of cold water therapy. If there was a GOAT to be named at who is the best at daily cold plunges, Wim Hof would hold the title.

So what are the potential benefits to cold water therapy? To provide a brief explanation, science has shown they can help reduce inflammation and help shorten the recovery period after physical activity. This is huge for all types of athletes, which is why you will sometimes see NFL players and NBA posting videos of themselves in ice baths. There's also some evidence to show ice baths can potentially boost dopamine, although further studies are likely needed to help solidify this hypothesis. Lastly, people who enjoy ice baths often explain they get a euphoric sense of feeling after each session.

This is all to say cold water therapy can prove to be an effective recovery method. While further research is being done, brands are starting to develop their own types of ice baths that are durable and easy to use for cold water therapy. Some ice baths are expensive—especially when they have their own chiller's attached—while others are simply just big ol' buckets you can dump water and ice in. Ahead, the best ice baths for recovery on the market right now for all types of preferences. It's time to make like "The Iceman" Wim Hof himself and start welcoming the benefits of cold water therapy

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Typically spotted on farms, this Rubbermaid Stock Tank is a popular choice for ice bath enthusiasts all around. It's incredibly affordable, durable, and easy to get in and out of. All you have to do is fill this bad boy up with ice water and hop in. It's big enough for single person use, and deep enough so the water will hit up to your neck. Best of all is the fact it has a nifty drain at the bottom for easy emptying. The only sacrifice you make by choosing this ice bath is there's no comfortable sitting or positioning, but then again, who said ice baths were supposed to be comfortable?

Highlighted by Aaron Judge as one of the six items he can't live without, The Cold Plunge is what one graduates to when they have become certified ice bath users. It's pricey, but it's got everything one would need for year-round ice bath use. We're talking a high-quality plumber and chiller, beautiful design, and a level of versatility that allows you to change the water into a steamy hot tub, if you so choose.

There are several inflatable ice baths on the market, but the one thing that stands out the most with Tru Grit's version is it's strong and portable design. The ice bath can inflate anywhere between 2-5 minutes and comes with a double action pump, a mat, and a repair kit. Once filled, the outer shell provides a stable inflation so you can move around with ease and not worry about falling out of the tub or water spilling out. The Tru Grit ice bath also features a spout for draining, and once the entire bath is collapsed it can be rolled up like a sleeping bag. Simply put, this an inflatable ice bath you'll actually enjoy setting up and breaking down.

Ice Barrel essentially makes ice baths as easy as ever. All you have to do to use the freestanding tub is fill it with water and ice, then walk up the provided step stool and gently lower yourself in. With the Ice Barrel you also receive a stand to hold the barrel in place, a lid to cover the top, and a UV cover to go over the entire tub. Once you're finished, simply turn open the drain knob at the bottom and let the water empty.

Handmade in Australia, the Odin is a spa-like option for ice bath lovers who want some luxury. It's equipped to maintain it's own filtration and sanitation, plus it has a digital module to set your preferred temperature. And as of this writing it's the only ice bath made fully out of cedar wood. Yeah, this bath is legit.

This inflatable tub has over 1,000 five-star Amazon reviews and it well under $100. Reviewers like it's portability and easy setup, making it ideal for making a quick ice bath in your walk-in shower, your mud room, or outside on your deck.

The simplest way to hack a hot tub into an ice bath is by going with an inflatable hot tub. Just turn off the hot water feature and fill with water and ice. The best part is you can enjoy your recovery session with a friend or partner thanks to the tub's spacious design.

You don't have to be an athlete to benefit from taking ice baths. While they have been shown to help with recovery, there are also other potential benefits we mentioned earlier that cold water therapy can provide. If you're on the fence about investing in an ice bath, go for one of the low cost methods we suggested. If anything, you can also go the old school route and fill your bath tub at home with ice.

Make sure to continue to read up and educate yourself on the benefits of cold water therapy and ice baths. There's new and exciting research coming out all the time, so as positive findings come out more innovative ice baths will be continue to be developed.

For the past year, we consulted with Men's Health's editors and writers on the top ice baths for cold water therapy. Experts, including our gear and commerce editor, John Thompson, tried several ice baths and evaluated their cost, durability, ease-of-use, and design. We also considered top-reviewed ice baths that have high customer ratings on e-commerce websites that we trust.

John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men's Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include shopping for rare vintage clothes and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.

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