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.
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As Seen On Your Uncle's Farm
Stock Tank, 100 gal
Rubbermaid
$186 AT AMAZON
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$186 AT AMAZON
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The Ice Bath Aaron Judge Swears By
Ice Bath Standard
The Cold Plunge
$5,490 AT THECOLDPLUNGE.COM
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$5,490 AT THECOLDPLUNGE.COM
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Best Inflatable Ice Bath Design
Inflatable Ice Bath
Tru Grit
$1,000 AT DICK'S SPORTING GOODS
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$1,000 AT DICK'S SPORTING GOODS
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Amazon's Choice
Inflatable Adult Bath Tub
CO-Z
$70 AT AMAZON
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$70 AT AMAZON
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Best Handmade Ice Bath
Ice Bath Original
Odin
$6,900 AT ODINPLUNGE.COM
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$6,900 AT ODINPLUNGE.COM
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Best Ice Bath for Multiple Users
4-Person Inflatable Hot Tub
Coleman
$600 AT WAYFAIR
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$600 AT WAYFAIR
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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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As Seen On Your Uncle's Farm
Rubbermaid
Stock Tank, 100 gal
Dimensions |
53"L x 31"W x 25"H |
Types of Use |
Outdoor |
The Ice Bath Aaron Judge Swears By
The Cold Plunge
Ice Bath Standard
Dimensions |
73"L x 32.5"W x 27"H |
Types of Use |
Outdoor |
Best Inflatable Ice Bath Design
Tru Grit
Inflatable Ice Bath
Dimensions |
60"L x 30"W x 37"H |
Types of Use |
Outdoor |
Amazon's Choice
CO-Z
Inflatable Adult Bath Tub
Dimensions |
63" x 33" x 29.1" |
Types of Use |
Indoor and Outdoor |
Best Handmade Ice Bath
Odin
Ice Bath Original
Dimensions |
51.1L x 49.2W x 28.0H (Original Exterior) |
Types of Use |
Outdoor |
Best Ice Bath for Multiple Users
Coleman
4-Person Inflatable Hot Tub
Dimensions |
25.98'' H x 70.87'' W x 70.87'' D |
Types of Use |
Outdoor |
Are Ice Baths Worth the Investment?
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
Gear and Commerce Editor
John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology.